Englishman Roger Bannister ran the first recorded sub-four-minute mile — 3:59.4 — 56 years ago today. Bannister’s record lasted only 46 days, when Australian John Landy ran 3:58.0. The current world record is 3:43.13 held by Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj (who also holds the 1500 and 2000 meter world records).
The four-minute-mile was such a symbolic barrier that Bannister was Sports Illustrated’s first ever Sportsman of the Year.
Bannister retired from running at the end of 1954 and ultimately became a neurologist.
[A mile is 1609.344 meters.]