George Horine

George Leslie Horine (February 3, 1890 – November 28, 1948) was an American athlete who mainly competed in the high jump.^[1] He is credited with developing a technique called a forerunner to the western roll, a technique he developed due to the layout of his backyard where he practiced which was considered "backward" at the time. While on the track team at Stanford University, his technique was corrected to the more conventional jumping style of the time. He equalled the NCAA record in the event at 6' 4" as a sophomore. His junior year, 1912, he reverted to his old style, improving to 6' 4 3/4" and then a world record 6' 6 1/8". A few weeks later at the Olympic Trials, he improved again to jump 6' 7" making him the first man to break the 2 metres (6 ft 6.7 in) barrier. It was the first high jump world record ratified by the IAAF. He never improved upon his record, which stood for two years.^[2]

George Horine

Personal information
Full name	George Leslie Horine
Born	February 3, 1890 (1890-02-03) Escondido, California, U.S.
Died	November 28, 1948 (1948-11-29) (aged 58) Merced, California, U.S.
Height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight	73 kg (161 lb)
Sport
Sport	High jump
Club	Olympic Club, San Francisco Stanford Cardinal, Stanford
Medal record Representing the  United States Olympic Games 1912 Stockholm High jump

Biography

Horine at the Stockholm Olympics

Horine was born in Escondido, California on February 3, 1890.^[3]

He competed for the United States at the 1912 Summer Olympics held in Stockholm, Sweden, where he won the bronze medal in the men's high jump event. He also competed for the USA in an exhibition baseball tournament in Stockholm.^[4]

He died at his home in Merced, California on November 28, 1948.^[3]

See also

• History of high jump
• Men's high jump world record progression