Support Toni Banks' Sprint to World Masters

Hi. My name is Tia Banks. This Gofundme is for my mom, Toni Banks.

Toni Yvonne Banks is a remarkable 65-year-old sprinter whose journey in track and field spans decades, embodying the belief that age is no barrier to achieving greatness. My mom discovered her love for sprinting in middle school and showcased her talent at Central High from 1974 to 1976, contributing to the State Team Championship in 1974 and running a leg on the All-State 4x440 Relay. Her passion continued at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln under the guidance of Carol Frost during the early days of Title IX. After a hiatus of over 40 years, Toni reignited her competitive spirit, overcoming significant challenges to compete in the Nebraska Senior Games in 2018, qualifying for the national meet in Albuquerque the following year. Despite a diagnosis of Apical Variant Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic, Toni has been medically cleared to compete, proving her condition is not a weakness.

My mom's resilience and determination have seen her through numerous competitions, including the Nebraska and National Senior Games, where she proudly finished 7th and 8th in the 50 meters and 100 meters at the 2023 national meet in Pittsburgh. Competing with the USATF Masters has brought her immense joy and camaraderie, forging connections with athletes nationwide. This summer, she will participate in the Pan Am Masters meet in Cleveland and looks forward to representing the USA at the World Masters Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, from August 13 to 25. By supporting my mom, you are helping her continue to inspire others to dream big, improve themselves, and embrace growth at any age or stage of life. Your generous donations will enable Toni to showcase her spirit and determination on the world stage, spreading a message of love, optimism, and the boundless possibilities that come with believing in oneself. Thank you for your support.