&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:Joe_Darby_-_geograph.org.uk_-_396713.jpg) Statue of Joseph Darby in Netherton | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 August 1861 Netherton, Dudley, Worcestershire, England |
| Died | 22 December 1937 (aged 76) Dudley, Worcestershire, England |
| Height | 5 ft 8¼ in |
| Weight | 175 lb (79 kg) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event(s) | standing high jump, standing long jump and multiple jumps from standing start. |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal best | sHJ – 12 ft 2 ½ in(1889) |
Joseph Darby (6 August 1861 – 22 December 1937) was a renowned jumper from the Black Country village of Netherton, in Dudley, Worcestershire. He specialised in spring jumping (jumping starting from a stationary position) often using weights in his hands to help propel him. After taking part in competitive jumping at venues in the Midlands and North of England in the 1880s, he went on to perform at theatres in London and Paris and crossed the Atlantic to exhibit in North America. He entertained crowds by performing trick jumps and earned money in wagers with competitors. Highlights in his career included defeating the American World Champion spring-jumper in 1887 and appearing before the future King Edward VII in Covent Garden, London. After finishing his jumping career, he became a publican in his hometown.