Earl Bell had a long career as a pole vaulter. He attended Arkansas State University, winning the NCAA title in 1975-77. Bell was twice US Champion, winning at the 1976 AAU Meet and the 1984 TAC Meet. He also placed third in 1981. In addition to his 1984 Olympic bronze medal, Bell won a gold medal at the 1975 Pan American Games and then returned in 1991 to finish fifth. He was US ranked in the top 10 for 16 consecutive years (1975-90), ranking #1 in 1975, 1981, and 1986-87. He was ranked in the world top 10 eight times during his career, with top rankings of #3 in 1975 and 1987. In May 1976, at the US Track & Field Federation Meet in Wichita, Kansas, Bell set a world record of 5.67 (18-7¼). After he stopped competing, he started Bell Athletics, coaching many national and international caliber pole vaulters.

Personal Best: PV – 5.87 (1988).