Roger Bannister and the Four-Minute Mile - Sports Myth and Sports History (Hardcover)

On 6 May, 1954, Roger Bannister became the first person to run the mile in less than four minutes. Fifty years on from the first four-minute mile, Bannister is a figure worthy of re-evaluation, as is the evolving world mile record, notes the author of this fascinating new book. A controversial revisionist history that looks at presumptions about Bannister's heroic status, it scrutinises Bannister's running career, providing fresh insights into the ?making of a champion?. needed a potent national symbol to distract from the perceived loss of national prowess, and the post-war austerity. Placing him in this context, John Bale here illuminates this nostalgic era, making it easier to understand why Bannister, a non-Olympic winner whose record lasted 46 days, secured such a high place in the history of British sport. image that is frequently painted? Highlighting his background, dedication, sporting discipline and even scientific methods he used, the book argues that he was hardly an upper class gentleman amateur, showing also why for some people he hasn't done enough to be a hero. As well as detailing the famous race, the book reveals many interesting details including Bannister's attitude towards the 1948 Olympics, a love-hate relationship with the British press, his individualism, modesty, attention to detail and secrecy about his training. running, the book also looks at what preceded these events and what followed them. It explains the evolution of the world mile record, how these records were achieved and why Bannister's achievement was perceived much more than breaking a record. It also looks at the aftermath of 6 May and whether Roger Bannister was in or out of place in the world of modern sports. Another value of this book is that it includes both praises and criticism of Bannister's achievements through global perceptions as well as those of the British public.

General

Imprint:	Routledge
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	April 2004
First published:	2004
Authors:	John Bale
Dimensions:	198 x 129 x 18mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Hardcover
Pages:	160
ISBN-13:	978-0-415-34606-1
Categories:	Books > Language & Literature > Biography & autobiography > Sport Books > Sport & Leisure > Sports & outdoor recreation > Track & field sports, athletics > General Books > Biography > Sport Promotions
LSN:	0-415-34606-1
Barcode:	9780415346061

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