Ed Caruthers

After placing eighth in the 1964 Olympics, Caruthers developed into a great high jumper while attending the University of Arizona. In 1967 his only defeats were at the NCAA and the AAU and on both occasions he lost only on the count-back, never being outjumped. Among his victories that year were five international titles, including the Pan American Games gold medal.

At the 1968 Olympics, Caruthers cleared a personal best of 7-3½ (2.22) but had to settle for second best behind Dick Fosbury who was using the then relatively unknown “flop” style, which he pioneered. Caruthers was world-ranked #1 in 1967 and #2 in 1968. He was a 12th-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions in the 1968 NFL draft, but never played in the NFL.

Personal Best: HJ – 7-3½ (2.22) (1968).