High Jump at the London Olympics

Captured during the 1908 London Olympic Games, this remarkable image showcases a female athlete mid-jump in a style that predates the Fosbury Flop. Although women were not officially allowed to compete in the high jump until later, exhibitions and informal competitions were organized, often to advocate for greater female inclusion in athletics.

This photo is more than a snapshot of sport — it’s a symbol of perseverance and change. Her confident form, elegant dress, and determined expression speak volumes about the fight for women’s visibility in competitive sports at the turn of the century. It’s a reminder that history was shaped not only by those who stood still, but by those who leapt forward.

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