Willie Banks

The inventor of the famous “rhythmic clap,” three-time Olympian Willie Banks has contributed to the sport as both an athlete and contributor for over forty years, and currently serves as an elected member of the World Athletics Council.

As a triple jumper, Banks represented the U.S. in 18 international competitions and set a world record of 17.97m/58-11.5 in 1985. He was named 1985 USATF Jesse Owens Male Athlete of the Year and 1986 U.S. Olympic Committee Sportsman of the Year. The 1983 IAAF World Championships silver medalist was inducted into the National Track & Field Hall of Fame in 1999.

Banks first served the governing body as chair of the Athletes Advisory Committee, 1984-1986. He continued as Vice President of The Athletics Congress (1986-1988), President of the U.S. Olympians Association (2005-2012), USATF Board Member (2009-2014) and Executive Board Member of World Olympians Association (2014-2018). He is currently on the Board of Directors of The USATF Foundation.

Since 1986, Banks has worked as the president and chief executive officer of HSJ, Incorporated. He holds a B.A. and Juris Doctorate from UCLA, and resides in San Diego, California.