Bannister carries Olympic torch on fabled track

[July 10, 2012]  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."

[Associated Press; By BARBARA SURK]

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