John Thomas, American high jumper (b. 1941)

John Curtis Thomas, a formidable American track and field athlete born on March 3, 1941, and who passed away on January 15, 2013, left an indelible mark on the sport of high jump. Renowned for his masterful use of the then-dominant straddle technique, Thomas established multiple world records throughout his career, captivating audiences with his extraordinary athleticism and groundbreaking achievements.

Even in his youth, Thomas displayed remarkable dedication and discipline, qualities exemplified by his achievement of the prestigious Eagle Scout award. This early foundation foreshadowed a career characterized by pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.

A Meteoric Rise: Shattering the Seven-Foot Barrier

Thomas's impact on high jump became undeniable at an exceptionally young age. At just 17, while still a freshman at Boston University, he achieved a historic milestone: becoming the first man ever to clear the formidable 7-foot (2.13 meters) height indoors. This unprecedented feat instantly propelled him into the global spotlight, signaling the arrival of a truly special talent.

His ascent continued with breathtaking speed. Thomas not only broke but repeatedly elevated the world indoor record, ultimately pushing it to an astonishing 7 feet 1½ inches (2.17 meters). His dominance extended to outdoor competition, where he broke the world outdoor record three times. His personal best jump, a staggering 7 feet 3¾ inches (2.22 meters), was achieved in 1960 when he was remarkably just 20 years old. At this time, the straddle technique, where an athlete typically launched off the inside leg and kicked their outside leg up, rolling over the bar face-down, was considered the pinnacle of high jump efficiency before the advent of the Fosbury Flop.

The Olympic Challenge: Rome 1960 and 'Black Thursday'

Despite his meteoric rise and the widespread expectation that he would claim Olympic gold, John Thomas's Olympic journey proved to be a narrative of intense competition and dramatic moments. He entered both the 1960 Rome Games and the 1964 Tokyo Games as the favorite, a testament to his world-leading performances.

At the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, the high jump final, held on Thursday, September 1st, pitted Thomas against a formidable Soviet contingent, intensifying the Cold War sports rivalry. In a stunning upset, Thomas secured the bronze medal, finishing behind the Soviet Union's Robert Shavlakadze, who took the gold, and Valeriy Brumel, who earned the silver. This unexpected outcome for Thomas was part of a broader, disappointing day for several highly favored American athletes across various disciplines, leading to September 1, 1960, being famously dubbed 'Black Thursday' by the American press. It was a day marked by collective underperformance from Team USA's expected medal winners, amplifying the shock and public scrutiny surrounding Thomas's bronze medal.

Tokyo 1964: A Continued Rivalry

Four years later, at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Thomas once again faced Valeriy Brumel in a much-anticipated rematch. Both athletes cleared the same formidable top height, showcasing their exceptional skill. However, under the then-prevailing tie-breaking rules, Brumel was declared the gold medalist. The rule stipulated that in the event of a tie at the highest cleared height, the athlete with fewer misses at lower heights throughout the competition would be awarded the victory. This technicality saw Thomas settle for the silver medal, while fellow American John Rambo secured the bronze, marking another hard-fought but ultimately unfulfilled quest for Olympic gold for Thomas.

Legacy and Recognition

Though an Olympic gold medal eluded him, John Curtis Thomas's contributions to track and field remain undeniably significant. His pioneering efforts in clearing the 7-foot barrier indoors, his multiple world records, and his captivating rivalry with Valeriy Brumel cemented his place in high jump history. In recognition of his enduring impact and unparalleled achievements, John Thomas was rightfully inducted into the USATF (USA Track & Field) Hall of Fame, ensuring his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats is permanently honored.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Curtis Thomas

Who was John Curtis Thomas?

John Curtis Thomas (1941-2013) was a groundbreaking American track and field athlete, primarily known for his achievements in the high jump where he set multiple world records using the straddle technique.

What was John Thomas's most significant early achievement?

At just 17 years old, while a freshman at Boston University, John Thomas became the first man in history to clear 7 feet (2.13 meters) indoors, a monumental feat in the sport.

How many world records did John Thomas set?

John Thomas set several world records, including pushing the indoor record to 7'1½" (2.17 m) and breaking the outdoor record three times, with a career best of 7'3¾" (2.22 m).

What was the 'straddle technique' used by John Thomas?

The straddle technique was a dominant high jump style where the athlete would approach the bar, jump off their inside foot, and 'straddle' or roll over the bar face down, kicking their legs up and over. It was the premier technique before the advent of the Fosbury Flop.

Did John Thomas win an Olympic gold medal?

No, despite being a heavy favorite in both the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games, John Thomas did not win a gold medal. He earned a bronze in 1960 and a silver in 1964.

What is 'Black Thursday' in the context of John Thomas's career?

'Black Thursday' refers to September 1, 1960, the day of the high jump final at the Rome Olympics. John Thomas's bronze medal, alongside other unexpected failures by several American favorites in various events that day, led the press to label it 'Black Thursday' due to the collective disappointment.

Who was Valeriy Brumel in relation to John Thomas?

Valeriy Brumel was a Soviet high jumper and John Thomas's primary rival. Brumel defeated Thomas for the silver medal in 1960 and for the gold medal in 1964.

How was the winner decided in the 1964 Olympic high jump when Thomas and Brumel cleared the same height?

In the 1964 Olympics, when both John Thomas and Valeriy Brumel cleared the same top height, Brumel was declared the winner based on a tie-breaking rule that awarded victory to the athlete with fewer misses at lower heights throughout the competition.

What is John Thomas's legacy in track and field?

John Thomas is remembered as a pioneering high jumper who broke significant barriers and set numerous world records. He is an inductee of the USATF Hall of Fame, recognized for his revolutionary impact on the sport.