A recent post by Seth Godin reminded me of some research I did a couple of years ago. It’s been a little while since I’ve posted an inspirational “piece”, so here it is…
I did some research on Roger Bannister and it is a very interesting story. For many years scientists felt that it was impossible for a human to run one mile in less than four minutes. Until May 6, 1954 at Oxford University’s Iffley Road Track, Englishman Roger Bannister ran one mile in 3:59.4 minutes!
Once he proved a 4 minute mile was humanly possible, it soon became no great achievement! The “four-minute barrier” has since been broken by many male athletes, and is now the standard of all male professional middle distance runners. In the last 50 years the mile record has been lowered by almost 17 seconds, and currently stands at 3:43.13 (held by Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj, who ran a time of 3:43.13 in Rome in 1999).
Never turn away from a task, a challenge, or an obstacle that seems “impossible”… That only means no one has yet accomplished it – you could be the first!
Another perspective on this event was that Bannister was not the only runner in this record setting event. There were six other men in this race: Alan Gordon, George Dole, Nigel Miller, Tom Hulatt and Bannister’s two pacemakers – Brasher and Chataway. Although very little is known about these other runners and Bannister’s name appears in all the record books, plaques, and memorial events, is it reasonable to think he could have achieved this without them? They were key to his success, providing the challenge, the drive, setting the pace for Roger to reach this speed.
Never underestimate the value of those around you. Family, friends, and co-workers who are cheering you on, pushing you, to be the best “you”!
No female has been on record to run a 4-minute mile… Maybe it could be you!
Associated Links
Further information regarding the 4-minute mile
Roger Banister