Willie Banks becomes oldest American to clear 6 feet

[TrackCEO]

Willie Banks at 56 is shown clearing 1.68, 1.73, 1.78, record 1.83 and almost making 1.88 off a three-step straddle approach at the San Diego Senior Games today at Mesa College.

Check out my video:
http://patch.com/A-xZkH

He says he lost 20 pounds since January, making the record attempt possible. He beat a recent 1.80 by Jim Barrineau at USATF masters nationals in Lisle, Illinois.

K E N

[Anthony Treacher]

Inspiring because some time back Willie Banks had practically given up because of "wonkey knees." How did Willie get over his knee problems?

[TrackCEO]

Willie has been jumping for at least five years as a masters athlete, and that includes the TJ. He even triple-jumped at the San Diego Senior Games, but took only three tries, I think. He was focusing on the HJ record.

[Marlow]

off a three-step straddle approach

6-4 with a full flop approach, Willie!!! [or won't the knees take it?]

[Dietmar239]

Willie has some definite international competition from a certain high jump specialist by the name of Carlo Thranhardt . Cleared 6'1.5" and is just really getting started. He is 55. BTW, outdoor mark fellas .

http://masterstrack.com/2012/08/23210/

[br]

Willie has some definite international competition from a certain high jump specialist by the name of Carlo Thranhardt . Cleared 6'1.5" and is just really getting started. He is 55. BTW, outdoor mark fellas .

http://masterstrack.com/2012/08/23210/

Willie Banks was born March 11, 1956 (56 years 198 days).
http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/biographie ... index.html

[nicest person ever]

By the way, just a fun question for the stat masters on here, I'm curious:

What's the age record for oldest person to clear 7 feet?

[18.99s]

By the way, just a fun question for the stat masters on here, I'm curious:

What's the age record for oldest person to clear 7 feet?

Dragutin Topic, who cleared 2.28m (7' 5.75")this year at 41.

[Marlow]

Dragutin Topic, who cleared 2.28m (7' 5.75")this year at 41.

Which is, of course, absolutely ABSURD. On the age-graded tables (don't ask!) that must be a 9-foot jump!!!!