3.....

Today marks the 54th anniversary of one of my favorite sporting events.

Once thought to be impossible. It was a nice round number. 1.4 seconds faster than the world record for a full 9 years.

The historic event took place during a meet between British AAA and Oxford University at Iffley Road Track in Oxford. It was watched by about 3,000 spectators.

The best part of the story is the way the stadium announcer teased the crowd after the race. He famously made the below statement, drawing out the announcement of Roger Bannister's first sub 4 Minute Mile for as long as possible .

"Ladies and gentlemen, here is the result of event 9, the one-mile: 1st, No. 41, R.G. Bannister, Amateur Athletic Association and formerly of Exeter and Merton Colleges, Oxford, with a time which is a new meeting and track record, and which - subject to ratification - will be a new English Native, British National, All-Comers, European, British Empire, and World Record. The time was 3..."

The roar of the crowd drowned out the rest of the announcement.