But Joe Klim, a University of Pennsylvania assistant track and field coach who specializes in jumping events, guessed a good high jumper could still achieve roughly 95 percent of his normal capability using a shorter four-step Fosbury approach, taking only the four strides that make up the curved portion of the J. “A pretty good athlete who can jump about seven feet could probably go six-foot-eight on a four-step approach,” Klim said.
Yeah on a Mondo apron with spandex on. Now put him in cleats, pads, and a helmet on grass and see how he does. And have him go head first on his back into 300-lb behemoths intent on body harm. Lots of NFL linebackers are 6'4" - 6'6" and they would be salivating at the thought of some spindly HJer coming toward them, even at 6'6" in the air. Here's a clue, linebackers, unencumbered by O-linemen taking out their legs, can jump too. The impact would be horrific . . . for the HJer.
