On May 6, 1954 at Oxford University’s Iffley Road Track, Roger Bannister took his place at the start line with one goal in mind—run the mile in less than four minutes. A twenty-five year old medical student, Bannister’s quest to break the four-minute mile began in 1952 after a poor showing at the summer games in Helsinki. Bannister spent the next few years juggling his studies and training schedule, waiting for his chance at redemption.

That day in May, Bannister came prepared with two pacemakers, Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway. When the start shot fired all three men sprinted off the line and quickly set the pace. Chris Brasher took lead and kept Bannister from over exerting himself too quickly. With 350 yards left, Roger took off for the finish line, racing through the tape he collapsed from utter exhaustion. He had done it, 3:59:40, the first man to ever run the mile in under four-minutes.

Bannister’s achievement shined the spotlight on British runners and set the stage for future Milers. Over the past fifty years, Great Britain has produced some of the world’s finest Milers. These men have set and broken many a world-record, and while winning is what drives them—it’s the mark they leave on history that defines them. In the 1980s Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett, and Steve Cram dominated middle-distance running. Like many runners before them, they set out to prove that the British Miler legacy is not one to be forgotten.

Sebastian Coe - 1980 400m practice race at Crystal Palace in London

The rivalry between Coe, Cram, and Ovett played out on the Olympic stage more than once. At the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, Coe was favored to win the 800m race, while Ovett was believed to be a shoe-in for the 1500m title. At 19, Cram qualified for the Olympic 1500m event, but was not expected to medal. Coe refers to his 800m performance as, “the worst race of my life.” He came in second, behind Ovett, and lost the gold. But six days later Coe had his revenge, beating Ovett to take gold and the 1500m title. Both Coe and Ovett walked away with gold medals, ironically for races neither was predicted to win. For Cram, the experience was enlightening, it provided great insight into what it meant to compete at the highest level, against the world’s best.

Steve Ovett - European Athletic Championships 5000m Final

All three men were at the height of their careers when they raced for 1500m gold in 1984. Cram held three out of four major 1500m titles heading into the race, but an injury would hinder his performance. Ovett’s bronchial problems forced him to drop out of the final with 350 meters left. Coe went on to defend his title and take home gold, while Cram finished less than a second behind him and won silver. The 1984 games were Coe and Ovett’s last Olympics—both failed to make the team in 1988. Cram went on to compete in the 1988 Olympics and was favored to win the 1500m title, but a sudden calf injury resulted in a fourth place finish.

In the early 1990s Coe, Ovett, and Cram all retired. Their achievements continue to inspire and motivate the next generation of runners hoping to be a part of the legacy. Records set in the 1980s by Cram in the 1500m and Coe in the 800m remain unbroken to this day. While the media may have defined their careers as Britain’s ultimate competitive trio, these three men share a mutual respect for one another. As teammates, and countrymen, their achievements brought pride and recognition to the Miler legacy.

With the summer games quickly approaching, a new generation of Britain’s fastest will race for their chance to make history. Follow seven Milers—Andy Baddeley, James Brewer, Lee Emanuel, Tom Lancashire, Colin McCourt, Nick McCormick, and Ricky Stevenson on their journey to make Great Britain’s national team. Visit www.thebritishmiler.com for a sneak peak at what’s to come as these Milers race to qualify for a chance to represent their country in 2012.