Description
Book Synopsis: In The Perfect Mile, Neal Bascomb, the New York Times bestselling author of Faster, presents the riveting, true story of the three world-class athletes who individually became the first runners to break the four-minute mile. There was a time when running the mile in four minutes was believed to be beyond the limits of human foot speed, and in all of sport it was the elusive holy grail. In 1952, after suffering defeat at the Helsinki Olympics, three world-class runners each set out to break this barrier. Roger Bannister was a young English medical student who epitomized the ideal of the amateur — still driven not just by winning but by the nobility of the pursuit. John Landy was the privileged son of a genteel Australian family, who as a boy preferred butterfly collecting to running but who trained relentlessly in an almost spiritual attempt to shape his body to this singular task. Then there was Wes Santee, the swaggering American, a Kansas farm boy and natural athlete who believed he was just plain better than everybody else. Spanning three continents and defying the odds, their collective quest captivated the world and stole headlines from the Korean War, the atomic race, and such legendary figures as Edmund Hillary, Willie Mays, Native Dancer, and Ben Hogan. In the tradition of Seabiscuit and Chariots of Fire, Neal Bascomb delivers a breathtaking story of unlikely heroes and leaves us with a lasting portrait of the twilight years of the golden age of sport.
Details
Experience the gripping and inspirational journey of three world-class athletes in The Perfect Mile by Neal Bascomb. Step into a world where the four-minute mile was a seemingly unattainable dream, and witness the determination, grit, and passion of Roger Bannister, John Landy, and Wes Santee as they push themselves to the limit to achieve the impossible. This riveting true story will keep you on the edge of your seat, reminding you that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
Join the ranks of those who have been captivated by the incredible quest for the four-minute mile. Neal Bascomb's compelling narrative will transport you back to a time when breaking this barrier was a monumental feat that captured the attention of the world. Be prepared to be inspired, motivated, and awed by the unrelenting spirit of these three extraordinary athletes as they chase their shared goal and redefine the limits of human potential.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of sports history with The Perfect Mile. Neal Bascomb masterfully weaves together the stories of Roger Bannister, John Landy, and Wes Santee, taking you on a thrilling journey across continents and through the annals of athletic achievement. Whether you are a fan of running, history, or simply tales of triumph against all odds, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression and ignite a spark of inspiration within you.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary tale of courage, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Discover the remarkable stories of three iconic athletes whose quest for the four-minute mile captured the imagination of an entire generation. Experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat as you delve into The Perfect Mile and witness the enduring legacy of these incredible runners.
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