History-making athlete dies aged 88
Sir Roger Bannister, the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, has died at the age of 88.
His time of three minutes 59.4 seconds, set at Iffley Road sports ground in Oxford on 6 May 1954, stood as a record for just 46 days but his place in athletics history was assured.
Bannister also won gold over the same distance at the 1954 Commonwealth Games and later became a leading neurologist.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2011.
A statement from his family said: "Sir Roger Bannister, died peacefully in Oxford on 3 March, aged 88, surrounded by his family who were as loved by him, as he was loved by them.
"He banked his treasure in the hearts of his friends."
Read more at abc.net.au
6 comments
6 comments
Still remember so clearly watching this amazing record run in 1954 - he was a great athlete and always seemed a humble,caring man. I guess he encouraged my interest in athletics when in my teens. RIP Sir Roger