Final answer:
The Olympic event that was changed forever in 1968 by something called the "Fosbury Flop" is the high jump.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to 1968, high jumpers primarily used a technique known as the "straddle" or "scissors" technique. This involved clearing the bar with the body facing down and straddling it, which required the jumper to lift their legs one at a time.
However, in 1968, American high jumper D`ick Fosbury introduced a revolutionary technique that became known as the "Fosbury Flop." This technique involved approaching the bar with a curved, sideways run, then arching the back and going over the bar headfirst and backwards, with the body facing upwards. This allowed the jumper to clear the bar at greater heights with better efficiency and reduced the risk of knocking the bar down.
The Fosbury Flop technique was initially met with skepticism and resistance but quickly gained popularity and became the dominant technique in high jump. Its adoption by athletes around the world led to significant increases in high jump records.
Since its introduction, the Fosbury Flop has become the standard technique used in the high jump event at the Olympics and other major track and field competitions. It revolutionized the sport and forever changed the way high jumpers approach and clear the bar.