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Roger Bannister, the first athlete to run a sub-four minute mile, has died aged 88 in Oxford, England, his family have said.<\/p>\nRoger Bannister, the first athlete to run a sub-four minute mile, has died aged 88 in Oxford, England, his family have said.<\/p>\n
A statement released on behalf of Sir Roger’s family said: “Sir Roger Bannister, died peacefully in Oxford on 3rd March 2018, aged 88, surrounded by his family who were as loved by him, as he was loved by them.<\/p>\n
“He banked his treasure in the hearts of his friends.”<\/p>\n
IAAF president Lord Coe paid tribute to Bannister.<\/p>\n
“On the 6 May 1954, Roger made the impossible possible,” said Coe in quotes on the IAAF website.<\/p>\n
“One year after the coronation of a young Queen Elizabeth II and after man conquered Everest, Roger Bannister ran the first sub-four-minute mile with the help of his friends Chris Chataway and Chris Brasher.<\/p>\n
“The world’s best runners had been attempting the four-minute barrier for a quarter of a century. It was as much of a psychological barrier as it was a physical barrier. Bannister’s assault allowed mankind to enter a world filled with new possibilities.<\/p>\n
“His achievement transcended sport, let alone athletics. It was a moment in history that lifted the heart of a nation and boosted morale in a world that was still at a low ebb after the war.<\/p>\n
“We have all lost a giant and, for many of us, a deep and close friendship.”<\/p>\n