Banking on Bell

Willie Banks, whose 1985 World record leap of 17.98 remained unbroken for a decade, knows a few things about the triple jump.  And he really likes what he sees when he watches and works with current World leader Kenta Bell.

"It's been really amazing watching his progression," says Banks, who's been working with the US champion since January at the Olympic Training Centre near San Diego, Calif. "One of the good things of having done the Triple Jump and also coach is that you get a very good feel for the event. And Kenta's got the goods."

Picture of consistency

Thus far in 2004, Bell has been the picture of consistency: his five winning leaps have ranged from 17.40 to his world-leading 17.49, topped by a wind and altitude-assisted 17.76 in early April. None of his previous early-season form charts have been even remotely similar. Bell eagerly acknowledges that his forebear deserves some of the credit for his improvement during this Olympic year.

"This is a guy who cracked the code before," says Bell, the day before extended his early season win streak to five with a win at (8 May) Saturday's Modesto Relays. NB. won with a 17.46m windy leap, and a legal best of 17.39. 

"The things he can teach are the things that separates the men from the boys, where World records are broken and championships won."

Perfect match

At first glance, it may seem an unlikely alliance. There is Banks, who was a loose, self-professed clown while on the field of battle. Bell on the other hand, is the consummate professional, serious and composed. But according to Banks, their's is a perfect match.

"The exceptional thing about working with Kenta is that he's such a different personality," Bell explains. "I was crazy out there, clownish; and Kenta's very serious, strictly business. He's the kind of guy I feed off of, and I'm the kind of guy he feeds off of. When we're working out, I can feed his desire."

That clowning has become the stuff of legend. Even prior to his World record leap, Banks was widely credited for injecting life into his event. The rhythmic clapping now commonplace in athletics venues around the world was his invention. With his trademark headphones glued to his ears, Banks was often seen dancing between jumps, unnerving many an adversary while delighting -and converting - fans.

The secret is in the bounce

"Kenta comes from a different background," Banks continues. "He started in the hurdles, which is somewhat unusual in the triple jump. He has a good cadence and is very quick." The ultimate key to success in the event, Banks believes, "Is to bounce. You have to bounce like a ball. It's somewhat like skipping stones off of water. And that's what he's learned to do -to transfer that bounce into the jump phase.  The last phase is to jump up, almost like a high jumper. And he's got it. I think he discovered the Holy Grail."

Banks, who was known as "the bouncing barrister" when he competed while studying law, refers to his charge as "the professor."

"He really studies the jump," Banks says, admittedly impressed by Bell's detailed knowledge of the historical and technical aspects of the event. "You can show him a silhouette of a jumper and he'll pick him out." Now, Banks says, "He's getting ready to school a few people."

"He keyed me in on a couple of things," says Bell, whose 17.62 PB dates back to 2002. "I'm working on it; it's not extremely difficult.  I can pick things up quickly. I attack everything I do. I have a sense of urgency, especially this year."

Staying in the US until the Trials

Bell intends to compete exclusively in the U.S until after the Olympic Trials in mid July. For a change of pace, he's entered in the long jump at the Home Depot Invitational on May 22, aiming to improve his PB 8.05.

The focus will, of course, remain in the longer jump, where Banks unabashedly makes a bold prediction.

"He's probably the only one with the goods to challenge Olsson right now!"