Bannister carries Olympic torch on fabled track

Bannister carries Olympic torch on fabled track

Credit: LOCOG via Getty Images

OXFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 10: In this handout image provided by LOCOG, Former record breaking athlete Sir Roger Bannister (L) passes the Flame to Torchbearer 001 Nicola Byrom on the track at Iffley Road Stadium at the start of day 53 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay leg from Oxford to Reading on July 9, 2012 in Oxford, England. The Olympic Flame is now on day 53 of a 70-day relay involving 8,000 torchbearers covering 8,000 miles. (Photo by LOCOG via Getty Images)

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Associated Press

Posted on July 10, 2012 at 6:10 PM

OXFORD, England (AP) — Roger Bannister has carried the Olympic torch across the finish line of the Oxford track where he became the first runner to break the 4-minute barrier for the mile 58 years ago.

The 83-year-old Bannister walked 30 yards along the iconic track Tuesday, holding the Olympic torch in his left hand as hundreds cheered the Oxford-educated neurologist who has become the embodiment of sporting achievement in Britain.

Bannister says he feels "right at home" on the track where he ran the mile in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds on May 6, 1954.

He says the strong winds on a chilly, rainy Tuesday reminded him of that historic day when "the weather was so bad that I nearly decided not to attempt it."

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