Willie Banks facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Willie Banks

Banks in 1988
Personal information
Born	March 11, 1956 (1956-03-11) (age 69)
Sport
Coached by	Randy Huntington
Medal record Men's athletics Representing the  United States World Championships Silver 1983 Helsinki Triple jump

Banks in 1984

William "Willie" Augustus Banks III is an American athlete. He was born on March 11, 1956. Willie grew up in San Diego County, California. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Track and Field Achievements

Willie Banks was a famous track and field athlete. He competed in the triple jump. This event involves three jumps in a row. Athletes run, then hop, step, and jump into a sand pit.

Setting a World Record

On June 16, 1985, Willie Banks set a new world record in the triple jump. He jumped an amazing 17.97 meters (about 58 feet 11.5 inches). This happened at the national championships in Indianapolis, USA. He held this record for over ten years. Later, Jonathan Edwards broke it in 1995.

Olympic and Championship Appearances

Willie Banks was a very successful athlete. He qualified for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team. However, he could not compete because the U.S. boycotted the Moscow Olympics. Instead, he received a special Congressional Gold Medal.

He was also part of the U.S. Olympic teams in 1984 and 1988. He competed in the World Championships in 1983 and 1987.

Awards and Recognition

Willie Banks received many awards for his talent. In 1985, he was named Athlete of the Year by Track & Field News. He also won the Jesse Owens Award. This award honors the best athlete in track and field. He also won British titles in 1985 and 1991.

Willie's Unique Style

Willie Banks was known for his exciting personality. He was one of the first athletes to get the crowd involved. He started the tradition of hand clapping during track and field events. He first did this at a competition in 1981.

He was also known for his joyful approach to jumping. People even reported that he would laugh during some of his jumps! When he set his world record in 1985, he was also cheering for a teammate. He seemed focused on finishing his jump so he could support her.

Hall of Fame and Later Career

Willie Banks was inducted into the USA National Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1999. Even after his main career, he continued to compete.

Masters Competitions

He competed in "Masters" events for older athletes. In 2006, at age 50, he jumped 14.00 meters. This was a top jump for his age group worldwide. He won the 2007 World Masters Athletics Championships in his age group.

In 2012, at 56 years old, he achieved another impressive feat. He became the oldest American to clear 6 feet in the high jump. He did this using a classic jumping technique. For this, he was named USATF Athlete of the Week.

Leadership Roles

Willie Banks has held important leadership positions in sports. He was the President of the US Olympians Association from 2005 to 2008. He also joined the board of directors for USATF in 2008.

He served as the President and CEO for the first ANOC 2019 World Beach Games in San Diego. This event brought together beach sports from around the world.

Rankings in Triple Jump

Willie Banks was ranked among the best triple jumpers for many years. Experts from Track and Field News ranked him highly from 1975 to 1992. He was ranked number one in the world twice, in 1981 and 1985.

See also

In Spanish: Willie Banks para niños

• World Fit