Roger Bannister’s running of the mile in under 4-minutes is considered to have inspired other runners by breaking a psychological barrier. In reality, the mile record had stagnated for nearly a decade due to World War 2. Swedish runners were able to continue their training, but others were disrupted, injured or killed. Several distances show similar patterns of records not being broken for a while, then being repeatedly broken during the 1950s. The 5k record lasted for 12 years before being broken in 1954. Soon, 20 seconds would be trimmed off the record time within two years. While Bannister’s achievement was amazing, the war is the most likely reason for the sheer number of running records brown in its aftermath.
Key Takeaways:
- During World War 2, many runners had their careers disrupted or were hurt or killed.
- In the 5k, the record wasn’t broken for 12 years, but then dropped 20 seconds in two years.
- The war and the modernization of training explain the record-breaking pattern more than the psychology breakthrough theory.
“The progression of the World Records during the 1940’s and 50’s is a unique mix of history getting in the way of athletics natural progression.”
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