Who Is Roger Bannister? Age, Biography, and Wiki
As of 2025, Roger Bannister would have been 96 years old. His pioneering feat occurred on May 6, 1954, when he clocked 3:59.4 minutes at a race in Oxford, England. This historic moment not only marked a significant milestone in athletics but also demonstrated the potential of human endurance and determination. Bannister's remarkable career extended beyond his athletic achievements, as he went on to have a successful career in medicine and served as a neurologist.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 23, 1929 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Harrow, England |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 3 March, 2018 |
| Died Place | Oxford, England |
Popularity
Roger Bannister's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although precise weight records may vary, Roger Bannister was known to have stood at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). During his athletic career, he maintained a lean and athletic physique, which was crucial for his success as a middle-distance runner.
On 7 August, at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, B.C., Bannister, running for England, competed against Landy for the first time in a race billed as "The Miracle Mile". They were the only two men in the world to have broken the 4-minute barrier, with Landy still holding the world record.
Landy led for most of the race, building a lead of 10 yards in the third lap (of four), but was overtaken on the last bend, and Bannister won in 3 min 58.8 s, with Landy 0.8 s behind in 3 min 59.6 s.
Bannister and Landy have both pointed out that the crucial moment of the race was that at the moment when Bannister decided to try to pass Landy, Landy looked over his left shoulder to gauge Bannister's position and Bannister burst past him on the right, never relinquishing the lead.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Roger Bannister was married to his wife, Patricia, for more than 60 years until his passing. Together, they had four children, who have often spoken of their father's dedication to both his family and his sport. His relationships fostered a supportive environment that contributed to his success on and off the track.
His parents, Ralph and Alice, were both from working-class families in Lancashire. Ralph had moved to London at the age of 15 to work in the Civil Service, and met Alice on a trip home.
Net Worth and Salary
While Roger Bannister's athletic career was remarkable, his net worth was not publicly documented in extensive financial terms. However, it is known that he made a comfortable living through various endeavors as an athlete, author, and medical professional. His legacy is carried not by wealth but by the inspiration he provided to countless individuals in sports and academia.
Career, Business, and Investments
Following his athletic success, Roger Bannister pursued a career in medicine, specializing in neurology. He became a respected figure in the medical community, and his contributions to both sports and medicine have had lasting effects. In addition to his medical practice, Bannister wrote several books detailing his experiences and philosophies on running, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in sports literature.
Bannister started his running career at Oxford in the autumn of 1946 at the age of 17. He had never worn running spikes previously or run on a track. His training was light, even compared to the standards of the day, but he showed promise in running a mile in 1947 in 4:24.6 on only three weekly half-hour training sessions.
Social Network
While Roger Bannister may not have engaged in social media during his lifetime, his legacy lives on through various platforms dedicated to athletics and history. Numerous accounts and fans today pay tribute to his achievements and share his inspiring story across different social networks.
Bannister: Everest on the Track, The Roger Bannister Story is a 2016 TV documentary about his childhood and youth in WWII and postwar Britain and the breaking of the 4-minute mile barrier, with interviews of participants and witnesses to the 1954 race, and later runners inspired by Bannister and his achievement, including Phil Knight who says that Roger Bannister inspired him to start Nike.
Education
Roger Bannister was a well-educated individual. He studied at Keble College, Oxford, where he developed his passion for running while completing his degree in medicine. His academic accomplishments positioned him as a distinguished figure, not only as an athlete but also as a doctor, showcasing the importance of education alongside physical prowess.
Bannister went on to become a neurologist and Master of Pembroke College, Oxford, before retiring in 1993. As Master of Pembroke, he was on the governing body of Abingdon School from 1986 to 1993.
When asked whether the 4-minute mile was his proudest achievement, he said he felt prouder of his contribution to academic medicine through research into the responses of the nervous system. Bannister was patron of the MSA Trust. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2011.
