Roger Bannister

Definition

Roger Bannister was a British middle-distance runner who became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes on May 6, 1954. His achievement not only set a new world record but also represented a significant milestone in sports history, demonstrating the potential of human athletic performance and inspiring countless athletes. Bannister's success is often linked to the psychological aspects of performance, showcasing how mental barriers can be overcome.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Roger Bannister completed the mile in a time of 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds at Iffley Road Track in Oxford, England.
2. His record-breaking run was achieved with the help of pacemakers Chris Chataway and Derek Ibbotson, who helped set the pace.
3. Bannister's achievement was initially viewed as an impossible goal, showcasing how the human body can perform beyond perceived limits.
4. After his running career, he became a respected neurologist and contributed to medical science.
5. Just 46 days after Bannister's record, John Landy broke it again, demonstrating that the four-minute mile barrier could be surpassed multiple times.

Review Questions

• How did Roger Bannister's achievement impact the perception of human athletic capability?
  • Roger Bannister's breaking of the four-minute mile barrier fundamentally changed how people viewed the limits of human performance. Before his run, many believed it was physically impossible to complete a mile in under four minutes. His success not only proved that such a feat was achievable but also inspired subsequent generations of athletes to pursue seemingly unattainable goals, thus shifting perceptions about athletic capability and potential.
• In what ways did psychological factors contribute to Roger Bannister's success in breaking the four-minute mile?
  • Psychological factors played a crucial role in Roger Bannister's success. By overcoming the mental barriers that surrounded the four-minute mile, Bannister demonstrated the importance of mindset in athletics. His belief in his ability to achieve this goal, combined with strategic pacing from his teammates, helped him focus on his physical capabilities rather than the daunting challenge ahead. This highlights how mental preparation can be as vital as physical training in achieving elite athletic performance.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of Roger Bannister's four-minute mile achievement on competitive running and athletic aspirations.
  • Roger Bannister's breaking of the four-minute mile has had lasting significance on both competitive running and the aspirations of athletes worldwide. His achievement opened the floodgates for subsequent athletes who quickly followed in his footsteps, showing that what once seemed impossible could be accomplished. This led to an era of unprecedented advancements in middle-distance running, with numerous athletes surpassing the four-minute barrier. Additionally, it inspired a cultural shift that encouraged athletes across all sports to push their limits, fueling ambition and enhancing performance standards globally.

Related terms

Four-Minute Mile: The time barrier of running a mile in under four minutes, which was considered an extraordinary athletic feat prior to Bannister's achievement.

Psychological Barriers: Mental obstacles that athletes perceive which can hinder performance, often needing to be overcome to achieve peak physical results.

Mile Run: A middle-distance running event that covers a distance of one mile, requiring both speed and endurance.