by Larry EderIn an election watched by many of the key players in American Athletics, Willie Banks, former Wr in the Triple Jump defeated Stephanie Hightower, 391 to 217, in what one of our observers described as a partisan campaign. The voting was for IAAF Council Nominee.
Willie Banks
Several names had come up to challenge Ms. Hightower, a long time leader in the sport, who has been the focus of much vitriol since the 2014 reversal of the floor vote in favor of Bob Hersh. Since then, legislation had been passed so that votes by the floor would be honored by the board, unless the Board found “cause”. Now, I am no doctor, but “cause” is, well problematic. Ms. Hightower became the focal point of the frustration with the USATF board, who has made a series of decisions that over-rided popular decisions.
We spoke to Willie Banks just prior to the Board of Directors Meeting. Here is the quick interview ( a more expansive one should be posted later this week).
Two months ago, few knew who could run against Stephanie Hightower, with a chance of victory. The campaign was well orchestrated. One comment given to @runblogrun was noted: ” The vote was done on machines…the campaigning was vigorous.”
The excitement around Willie Bank’s nomination seemed to catch Max Siegel, USATF CEO and Stephanie Hightower, a bit unaware. Another comment given to @runblogrun: ” Willie seems like a ball of enerby. Spirited might be another good term for the campaigning.”
Willie Banks Flash Interview: (by Phone)
@runblogrun: Why did you run for the IAAF nominee?
WB: I thought that it would be a good thing to be invovled in USATF. I have had the experience of the World Olympians Association, and the network of International contacts that I have developed over the last 30 years could be good for the sport. That, and I am looking at retirement, after next summer, and the World Beach Games (Banks works with ANOC on inaugural Beach Games), and with the vote for IAAF next fall, I can focus my energy on track & field.
@runblogrun: What makes the IAAF Nominee vote this time different from last time?
WB: This time, the vote can only be over ruled by the USATF Board with cause. New legislation was made last year.
@runblogrun: What were your first thoughts?
WB: I was floored. I thought the vote could go either way, Stephanie or I. Tracy Sundlun called me and said, “I want to see you.” When I got downstairs, Tracy told me I had won. I hugged him. It is amazing.
@runblogrun: What do you want to do?
WB:
1. I will work hard to represent USATF.
2. I will work with Stephanie Hightower and Max Siegel to maximize the communication with IAAF and USATF.
3. I want to see USATF and IAAF use new and bold ideas to upgrade the sport.
@runblogrun: We will send more questions to Willie Banks, and give him the time to provide some answers and ideas on how he can help USATF and the IAAF improve the sport.
