Willie Banks clears 5-7 for world age-group record at age 65

[KenStone]

Returning to his first love — the high jump — straddler Willie Banks used a three-step approach to break the M65 world record outdoors.

See video of Willie Banks in the high jump Sunday — and not even realizing it at the time.

https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2021/07/19/world-record-for-willie-banks-at-65-tokyo-games-official-top-high-jumper/

Next week, he leave for Tokyo for World Athletics Council role and serving on the Jury of Appeals.

K. E. N

[KevinR]

How cool is that? Thanks for sharing, Ken.

[lexvid]

Willie still has hops! Wonder what he could do with a 5-6 step approach!

[Wiederganger]

I've said this before, I don't know why more heptathletes that have struggled with the fosbury didn't try the straddle. I always preferred the straddle when younger,

[1.609]

That's just totally awesome!

[dukehjsteve]

When I was about 21, I told my brother that when I was 50, I would be able to still high jump 5'6". Since this was 11 1/2 inches below my PR, it seemed it would be ridiculously easy.

Anyhow, 29 years later, at age 50, I set a HJ bar at 5'6" and looked at it. It would have been impossible.

[jc203]

I jumped 4'4" in 7th grade the first time I tried the event. 44 years later I cleared 4'4" but failed at 4'6"... figured it was time to call it a career :-)
The most impressive part of WB's mark is that he weighed 215 lbs.
If his zumba workouts cause him to shed 10 or 12 lbs he might put the record up significantly!

[KevinR]

The more I hear about Willie's feat, the more impressive it becomes!

[lonewolf]

That 215 # is what impressed me.

[xw]

"On the European circuit, he created the rhythmic clapping heard in stadiums worldwide." Wow. Never knew before who started this wonderful tradition...history of our sport is so rich. Love this bit of information.

[noone]

Great performances, but that bar sure was forgiving!

[scottmitchell74]

"On the European circuit, he created the rhythmic clapping heard in stadiums worldwide." Wow. Never knew before who started this wonderful tradition...history of our sport is so rich. Love this bit of information.

Cool! I was wondering this very thing the other day.

[Trickstat]

Cool! I was wondering this very thing the other day.

You're making me feel old!

[jeremyp]

That was my High school record back in the 50's. I cleared 5'6. Now I can barely step over my cat.

[KevinR]

I managed 5'11" in the flop, and 5'10" with the roll in HS. But the bars were hard metal, triangular shaped, and terribly unforgiving. And the landing pits were net bags full of foam rubber.

But I suspect lonewolf was landing in sand, so I am not going to complain......