BANNISTER EFFECT

"The Bannister Effect" is the phenomenon of one person showing others that it can be done and, thus, prompting others to believe and achieve.27 Dec 2017
The Bannister Effect - LinkedIn
 
When Roger Bannister  (23 March 1929 – 3 March 2018)  broke running records back in 1954 , at the age of 26 ,  did he think that his name would become synonymous with

• Believing in and improving oneself ? 
• Doing the impossible ?
• Overcoming boundaries ?
• Exhibiting grit and perseverance ? 
• Opening doors  ?
• Transforming mind sets ? 

 What motivated this sporty neurologist back then ?   What were his goals ?  

Roger BannisterFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Sir Roger Gilbert Bannister CH CBE FRCP (23 March 1929 – 3 March 2018) was a British middle-distance athlete and neurologist who ran the first sub-4-minute mile.
At the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Bannister set a British record in the 1500 metres and finished in fourth place. This achievement strengthened his resolve to become the first athlete to finish the mile run in under four minutes. He accomplished this feat on 6 May 1954 at Iffley Road track in Oxford, with Chris Chataway and Chris Brasher providing the pacing. When the announcer, Norris McWhirter, declared "The time was three...", the cheers of the crowd drowned out Bannister's exact time, which was 3 minutes and 59.4 seconds. He had attained this record with minimal training, while practising as a junior doctor. Bannister's record lasted just 46 days.
Bannister went on to become a neurologist and Master of Pembroke College, Oxford, before retiring in 1993. 

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​As I read and explore the concept of  “ The Bannister Effect” I see two opposing views.  One that elevates Roger Bannister to a running hero , the other that attributes the previous “stagnation”  of 10 years in the 4-mile running record to WWII and the preoccupation of the world to more serious matters at the time, as well the modernization of training after the 1950’s.   
 
Even if we adopt the more conversative and practical approach, I’m all for the underlying “limitless belief” principle behind the “Bannister” message .  Our beliefs influence what we attempt or choose not to attempt and there lies that  winning millisecond. 
 
“I’m going to Bannister my maths exam next week”
 
“Covid Pandemic restrictions ?   Bannister that with the internet and working from home ”
 
“Let’s get fit and Bannister the treadmill over the next four weeks” 
 
…. So what are YOU planning to bannister today ?