here is no fuss and fanfare about Bannister. When he was asked to explain that first four-minute mile—and the art of record breaking—he answered with original directness: "It's the ability to take more out of yourself than you've got." Photograph: Mark Kauffman Text: Gerald Holland On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister broke the four-minute barrier, running a mile in 3:59.4. Bannister retired seven months later to dedicate himself to his medical studies. After earning his degree, Bannister became a neurologist and a special contributor to Sports Illustrated. He was knighted in 1975 for his outstanding medical service and his chairmanship of the United Kingdom National Sport Council. Now 68, Bannister is retired from his post as master of Pembroke College, Oxford University. He remains director of the National Hospital for Nervous Diseases and serves as a trustee-delegate of St. Mary's Medical School in Paddington.
	Sportsmen of the Year: 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996