Grandpa Bell

Posted February 10, 2008, 3:38 pm in Track & Field by Growing Bolder


Dr. William Bell is the father of Earl Bell, one of the most renowned U.S. pole vaulters and coaches in history. Earl is a three-time Olympian, and five-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) record holder. His achievements include setting the world's outdoor record in 1976; qualifying for the Olympic Games in 1976, 1984 and 1988; and winning the bronze medal at the 1984 Olympics. He was the U.S. national champion in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s -- a remarkable three-decade achievement for any athlete. After turning to coaching by founding Bell Athletics in Jonesboro, he was named the 1998 National Olympic Coach of the Year by the U.S. Olympic Committee. In 2004, Bell Athletics produced half of the U.S. Olympic pole-vaulting team.

These days, one of the top athletes in the Bell Athletics training center is Earl's Father, Dr. William "Papa" Bell. Last year at the U.S. Masters Championships in Boston, Papa Bell put on one of the most dominating performances in sports history.

Going into the meet, he expected to break the standing 85-89 year old world record. Vaulting just four days after his 85th birthday, Grandpa Bell delivered. After an opening height of 5'0", it wasn't long before he eclipsed the former world record which stood at 6'3". By the end of the competition, Doc Bell had broken the former world record 11 times inching the final height to 8'0", 21 inches above the former record. Sources (Earl) say the champion's lunch included two chocolate brownies and nothing else. This is Grandpa's second world record. Five years ago he shattered the 80-84 year old pole vault world record with a height over nine feet.

To listen to our conversation with Grandpa Bell, click the play button below his photo on the upper right.

To watch him vault, click the play button below his photo on the right.









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