Korkeushypyn

Korkeushypyn is the Finnish term for the high jump, an athletic field event where competitors must leap unaided over a horizontal bar placed at measured heights. The objective is to clear the highest possible bar without dislodging it. Athletes begin their approach from a curved run-up, typically with a series of accelerating strides. The jump itself involves a powerful take-off from one foot, a specific body rotation and arch over the bar, and a controlled landing on a soft mat.

The most common technique employed in modern high jump is the Fosbury Flop, named after Dick Fosbury who popularized it in the late 1960s. In this technique, the jumper approaches the bar on a curved path, turns their back to the bar, and arches their body over it headfirst. This allows for a more efficient use of the body's center of gravity, enabling athletes to clear greater heights.

Competition rules stipulate that a jump is considered a failure if the bar is knocked off its supports or if the athlete touches the ground or landing area beyond the plane of the uprights without first clearing the bar. Athletes are typically given three attempts at each height. The competition progresses by raising the bar incrementally until only one athlete remains who can successfully clear a height, or until all athletes have failed to clear a designated height. The winner is the athlete who clears the highest bar. Korkeushypyn is a staple event in athletics competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.