Roger Bannister Broke the Four-Minute Mile. His Record Lasted Just 46 Days.
In 1954, a British medical student made running history. Six weeks later, his biggest rival went faster, setting up one of the sport's most famous showdowns.
Athletes World
• Roger Bannister - First sub-4 minute mile - Iffley Road
• Licensed Photo: Chronicle / Alamy
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On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister ran a mile in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds, becoming the first person to officially break the four-minute barrier.
The moment was unforgettable. As the announcer began reading the winning time at Oxford University's Iffley Road track, the crowd erupted when he reached the words "Three minutes."
They already knew what had happened. (World Athletics, 2024)
The moment was unforgettable. As the announcer began reading the winning time at Oxford University's Iffley Road track, the crowd erupted when he reached the words "Three minutes."
They already knew what had happened. (World Athletics, 2024)
