Straddle technique flop is considered by many easier to learn, especially for younger jumpers, and thus has become the dominant technique. In 1993, an American high jumper Steve Harkins brought back the straddle style in the Master's division to break the Master's World Record and then went on to win the World's, beating a 'flopper' at the World Championships in Miyazaki Japan. Harkins used the 'head down first' style as did Brumel. At 6 '7" at the U.S. National Championships in Bozeman, Montana; in March 1993, Harkins was the highest jumper ever in the Master's to have used the straddle style. Straddle
Athletics at the 1972 Summer Olympics – Men's shot put Athletics at the 1972 Summer Olympics – Men's shot put The men's shot put field event at the 1972 Olympic Games took place on September 8 & 9. The United States has not lost this event since 1936. The East German throwers were expected to pose a big challenge in these games, as well as the throwers from Poland. Brian Oldfield from the United States was the first person to use a new technique, a technique that is similar to the discus throwing style. The thrower uses a rotational spin before releasing the shot put. All throwers reaching and the