BBC - A History of the World - Object : Bannister's sub-4 minute finishing post

Finishing Post and Bell from Roger Bannister's sub-4 minute mile. Copyright Oxford Mail & Oxford Times

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Roger Bannister was studying medicine at Oxford when he bacame the first man to run the mile in under 4 minutes.At the Iffley Road track in Oxford Roger Bannister became the first man to run 1 mile in under 4 minutes. This historic event took place on May 6 1954 during a meet between British AAA and Oxford University at Iffley Road Track in Oxford. It was watched by about 3,000 spectators.

Two other runners, Brasher and Chataway, provided pacing while completing the race which was broadcast live by BBC Radio and commented on by Harold Abrahams, of Chariots of Fire fame.

Breaking this record, one that some believed could not be broken, remains one of the great sporting achievements. It stands as a reminder to athletes and sportsmen today of what can be achieved and, in Roger Bannister's words, that "the man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win"

The Finishing Post and Bell are on public display in the University Sports Centre, Iffley Road, Oxford.

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