‘Grandpa’ Bell poised at 95 to be Oldest Human Vaulter at nationals

Blackboard shows recent series of William Bell.

Don Pellmann barely missed becoming the oldest vaulter in human history when, at age 100, he couldn’t time his leg pull at the 2015 San Diego Senior Olympics. Don’t expect the same mistake Saturday from William Bell. Now 95, the M90 WR man is a shoo-in for the debut WR in his age group. Proof came in a Facebook video posted on Bell Athletics, where Grandpa Bell is shown clearing several heights. Apparently, his best mark was 1.45 meters (4-9). He submitted a mark of 1.50 (4-11) for his LSU masters nationals entry. Son Earl — the former open WR man and Los Angeles Games bronze medalist — isn’t entered, but would be a great M60 vaulter. He coaches and runs camps in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Meanwhile, folks are flooding into Baton Rouge amid heat and rain. Stay safe and hydrated, y’all! And best of luck to Grandpa Bell at 10 a.m. Saturday when he goes for the Oldest Vaulter Title.

Here’s what was posted about Grandpa Bell:

Grandpa had his last workout before his big meet this Saturday! Grandpa will attempt to set the 95yr old World Record at LSU in Baton Rouge, LA at around 10am. If you’re in the area, you should certainly go watch; there’s no one like Grandpa!

And here’s what I wrote after 2013 Olathe nationals:

Earl Bell’s dad vaulted 2.05 meters (6-8 3/4) and endeared himself to USATF folks. So William Bell was named USATF Athlete of the Week. At 91, he’s definitely a phenom. “Bell will compete in his current age-group for the next three years before he plans to attempt the world record in the 95-99 age group,” USATF reported. “I’m getting ready for the 95 to 99 age group,” Bell said. “I know that is really ambitious, but I have been doing so well I just think I should keep going.” On the Age-Graded Tables, his 2.05 is worth an open mark of 6.62 meters (21-8 3/4). Yowza! Congrats to Daddy Bell.

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July 12, 2017

One Response

  1. Peter L. Taylor - July 12, 2017

    Best of luck to Dr. Bell; he’s quite the guy. I hope the announcers down in Baton Rouge pay attention to Grandpa and inform the crowd that his first clearance will be a pending world record (WR), as there is no WR for M95.

    Also, best of luck to all the throwers as well as the high jumpers and the track people down in Louisiana.

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