Rhythmic clapping for William Augustus Banks III: Happy 60th!
Willie Banks turned 60 on Friday, apparently somewhere in Japan, his second home. He hasn’t talked much about his track goals for M60, but I suspect he’ll show up out of nowhere someday and shock us all, hopefully in the 三段跳び (triple jump in Japanese). I had some wonderful interactions with Willie this year, including an article about how the TJ WR should be 62 feet (if elites paid attention to his technique critique). I also helped him shape a book he’s preparing on triple jump drills. But the best thing about Willie is how down-to-earth he is. An Olympian and world-record setter, he treats me like just another old track dude. He’s given me great copy, of course, but I treasure his friendship the most. Gold in every way. Happy birthday, superstar!
Here’s a good retelling of the origins of Willie Banks’ rhythmic clapping.
3 Responses
Would be great to see Willie back doing the TJ….and the HJ as well. With those long legs, he only needs a three-step run to do a roll that leaves most competitors in the dust.
Rob, if memory serves me when he was at UCLA, Willie high jumped 6′ 10″ with a three step approach! Long legs help as does talent but he probably also trains harder than most.
Happy birthday, Willie! Always enjoy competing in the high jump against you. You help the tide rise for all jumpers.
Leave a Reply