6 May 2014

On the 6th May 1954 at the Iffley road track in Oxford, history was made when the 25 year old medical student Roger Bannister ran the first ever four minute mile. 

It was considered one of the last great achievements of the amateur athletics era as the challenge had been chased for many years before Bannister, paced by Chris Brasher and Chris Chattaway dipped below the barrier with a 3.59-4 clocking.

Bannister retired from athletics later that year to refocus on his medical studies and enjoyed a long and successful career as a neurologist.

Even today middle distance athletes feel a surge of delight and pride at dipping under the landmark timing, it remains one of British sporting history’s finest moments.

We at British Athletics send our congratulations to Sir Roger Bannister on the anniversary of this landmark occasion.