Roger Bannister

Date of Birth: March 23, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: March 3, 2018

Biography

Sir Roger Gilbert Bannister was a British middle-distance athlete and neurologist, best known for being the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. He was born in Harrow, London, England, and was raised in Bath, Somerset. Bannister’s athletic career began in earnest while he was a student at Oxford University, where he studied medicine. On May 6, 1954, at the Iffley Road Track in Oxford, Bannister made history by running the mile in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds, a feat that was considered impossible at the time. After his groundbreaking achievement in athletics, Bannister went on to have a distinguished career in neurology. He was knighted in 1975 for his contributions to both sports and medicine. Bannister passed away on March 3, 2018, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the world of sports.

5 Interesting Facts about Roger Bannister

1. Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile barrier on May 6, 1954.

2. He was a medical student at Oxford University when he achieved his famous run.

3. Bannister’s record-breaking run was paced by Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway.

4. He pursued a successful career in neurology and was a leading researcher in autonomic failure.

5. Bannister was knighted in 1975 for his contributions to both sports and medicine.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roger Bannister

1. “The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.”

2. “Doctors and scientists said that breaking the four-minute mile was impossible, that one would die in the attempt. Thus, when I got up from the track after collapsing at the finish line, I figured I was dead.”

3. “It is the brain, not the heart or lungs, that is the critical organ.”

4. “I found longer races boring. I found the mile just perfect.”

5. “Sport is not about being wrapped up in cotton wool. Sport is about adapting to the unexpected and being able to modify plans at the last minute.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Roger Bannister’s highest net worth is not publicly documented as he was not known for amassing significant wealth from his athletic career. His primary contributions and legacy lie in sports and medicine rather than financial wealth.