Charles Dumas makes first high jump over 7 feet (2.13 metres) – Los Angeles, California.

On June 29, 1956, a historic event took place in Los Angeles, California. Charles Dumas made the first high jump over 7 feet (2.13 meters), setting a new record and leaving spectators in awe. This momentous achievement not only established Dumas as a pioneer in the sport but also pushed the boundaries of what was thought to be possible in the world of high jumping.

Charles Dumas was born on February 12, 1937, in Texas. He had always had a natural inclination towards athletics and first began his high jump career while attending Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. His talent soon caught the attention of many, and it became evident that Dumas possessed enormous potential in the sport.

As Dumas honed his skills, he quickly became known for his unique technique, known as the “scissor kick.” Unlike the traditional Western Roll technique that was predominantly used at the time, Dumas’ scissor kick allowed him to clear higher heights with greater ease and efficiency.

His innovative approach to the high jump caught the attention of the athletics community, and Dumas began garnering recognition for his exceptional abilities. However, it wasn’t until June 29, 1956, that Dumas would etch his name into the history books.

On that fateful day, Dumas took to the field at the Olympic Trials in Los Angeles. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as spectators eagerly anticipated witnessing a new record being set. Dumas approached the bar with confidence, ready to display the culmination of years of hard work and dedication.

With a swift run-up and a quick take-off, Dumas soared over the bar, clearing an astonishing height of 7 feet (2.13 meters). As he landed safely on the mat, the crowd erupted in applause, fully aware that they had just witnessed a monumental moment in sports history.

Dumas’ record-breaking jump not only surpassed the previous record held by American high jumper John Winter by 2 inches (5 centimeters), but it also marked the first time that the 7-foot barrier had ever been conquered. This achievement propelled Dumas into the limelight and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest high jumpers of all time.

Following his groundbreaking feat, Dumas went on to compete in the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia. There, he continued to display his exceptional abilities, winning the gold medal with a jump of 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters). This victory further solidified Dumas’ position as a dominant force in the world of high jumping.

While Dumas’ record of 7 feet (2.13 meters) no longer stands as the highest high jump in history, his accomplishment remains a testament to the power of human determination, athleticism, and innovation. His technique revolutionized the sport, inspiring future generations of high jumpers to push the limits and reach new heights.

Charles Dumas’ first high jump over 7 feet (2.13 meters) on June 29, 1956, in Los Angeles, California, will forever be remembered as a historical moment in the world of athletics. Dumas’ groundbreaking achievement not only established him as a trailblazer in the sport but also set a new standard for high jumpers around the globe. His legacy serves as a constant reminder that with passion, dedication, and innovation, anyone can defy expectations and achieve greatness.