World Champion shares athletic accomplishments and excitement for present opportunities
by Caitlyn Lancaster
One word can be used to describe triple jump world champion Willie Banks: Legend. Not only was he the world record holder for the triple jump for a decade, but Banks is also a three-time track and field Olympian.
Banks will be sharing his experiences and athletic triumphs with the community at the Breakfast with Fosbury and Friends. This community breakfast event will take place at the Red Lion Inn Friday, February 20, at 7:30 a.m.
“Willie is such a wonderfully dynamic and personable guy,” says Rebecca Anderson, Simplot Games Executive Director. “Crowds love Willie, and Willie loves the crowd. He truly engages them.”
Banks has had many successes with track and field, and is responsible for making his athletic mark with the tradition of “the clap.” Before an athlete begins to make a jump, the crowd begins to clap in unison. Banks encouraged his supporters to applaud in a way that no other athlete had; it is that Banks-inspired clapping support that follows many athletes to this day.
Banks has never been a stranger to overcoming adversity. After making the 1980 Olympic Team, President Jimmy Carter declared that the United States would not be participating in the Moscow Olympic Games because the Soviet Union refused to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) claimed that President Carter could not make that decision; Carter conceded and the USOC voted. The end result was the withdrawal of all U.S. athletes from the Games.
“I was very upset,” says Banks. “The decision wasn’t a reflection of the spirit of our freedom. Sports are a way of bringing people together, not tearing them apart.”
Even with the devastating outcome of the 1980 Olympic boycott, Banks held onto his optimistic outlook, and was able to find a few positive results from the unfortunate circumstances. The concept of amateurism was eventually dropped from the Olympic charter, and athletes were given more control in matters of the Games.
“Several good things happened,” says Banks. “This gave athletes more say in the governance of sports.”
Quitting track was not an option, and Banks continued to work for his Olympic goal and was able to compete in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics.
In 1985, Banks claimed the world record for the triple jump, and held the title for 10 years. Currently, Banks still remains on the track and is the president of the United States Olympic Association.
The Fosbury breakfast is a great opportunity for the community to meet with a true Olympian, and Banks is excited to share bits of his past. In a time of economic recession, he also hopes to motivate people about the great individual chances that are in front of people at this time.
“This is a great opportunity to be more, to be better,” says Banks. “I want to get people excited about the situation we are in. People can truly be motivated right now.”
Pure motivation and insightful views from a vibrant and legendary athlete is available to the entire Pocatello community. Besides the food, Breakfast with Fosbury and Friends gives the public a chance to meet a legend, and to learn about the diverse roles one must take to live a dynamic and inspired life.
“The diversity of our thinking promotes creativity and the yearning to be better; and, the diversity of our culture stimulates the will to be free,” says Banks.
Tickets are $20; for more information please call (208) 235-5604.
Photo provided courtesy of Willie Banks
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