 |
 Roger Bannister
research the mechanical aspects of running and
developed a training method that focused on
consistency rather than long, arduous workouts.
His research and training resulted in his
becoming the first man to break the four-minute
mile, in 1954. |
 Glenn Cunningham
was one of the best long- and middle-distance
runners in NCAA history. At one time he could lay
claim to seven of the thirteen fastest miles ever
managed by a human. And, he accomplished this
feat despite having suffered serious burns to his
legs as a child. |
 William DeHart Hubbard
became the first black athlete to win an Olympic
gold medal in an individual event, when he won
the long jump competition at the 1924 Paris
games. |
 Michael Duane
Johnson was the only sprinter in
history to be ranked Number 1 in both the 200-
and 400-meter events in one year, which he
accomplished four times in his career. He was
also the first to break the 20-second 200-meter
and the 44-second 400-meter. |
 Jesse Owens
became the first American to win four track and
field gold medals in a single Olympics, at the
1936 Berlin Games, in front of a crowd that
included Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. |
 James
Ronald Ryun became the first high
school student ever to break the 4-minute mile in
1964. In 1965 he established a high school and
open mile record that stood until 2001, and also
set a one-mile record for high school runners
that still stands today. |
 Wes
Santee never managed to break the
four-minute mile, but his ability to run in
multiple events helped the University of Kansas
win numerous track meets. |
