In a race that was promoted as the “Mile of the Century” and was later dubbed the “Miracle Mile”, England’s Roger Bannister and Australian John Landy faced off for the first time in the one mile run on this day in 1954 during the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver.
Both men had broken the four-minute barrier earlier in the year, first Bannister in May, then Landy in June.
With 35,000 people watching in the stands, Bannister passed Landy with just 90 yards to go, winning with a Commonwealth record time of 3:58:8, while Landy clocked 3:59:6 to take second place.
It marked the first time the four-minute mile had been broken by two men in the same race.
Other memorable events to happen on this day:
1983: The inaugural World Athletics Championships kick off at the Olympic stadium in Helsinki.
1999: Newcastle striker Alan Shearer gets sent off for the first time in his career as Aston Villas won 1-0 at St. James’ Park. Referee Uriah Rennie dismissed Shearer for a 71st minute challenge on Ian Taylor.
2011: Manchester United beat Manchester City 3-2 after trailing 2-0 at half-time to win the Community Shield at Wembley.
