The Perfect Mile cover art

The Perfect Mile

Three Athletes. One Goal. And Less Than Four Minutes to Achieve It

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The Perfect Mile

By: Neal Bascomb
Narrated by: Nelson Runger
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About this listen

 In the tradition of Seabiscuit, critically acclaimed author Neal Bascomb reaches back to the golden age of sport and crafts an utterly captivating narrative of what may be the most remarkable athletic feat of all time.

They said it could never be done. No human could ever run a mile in less than four minutes. In 1952, three amazing athletes begged to differ; English medical student Roger Bannister, Australian privileged son John Landy, and American farm boy Wes Santee. At a time when war raged in Korea and Edmund Hillary dared to scale Mount Everest, these three marvelous runners raced into the spotlight and stole the attention of a breathless world.

Dramatic, exciting, and gloriously reminiscent, The Perfect Mile is an endlessly fascinating tale of heroic achievement and a testament to the determination of the human spirit.

©2004 Neal Bascomb (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC Running & Jogging Sports History Track & Field Sports

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Critic reviews

"Bascomb's excellent account captures all of the human drama and competitive excitement of this legendary racing event." (Publishers Weekly)
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An excellent inspiring account of the lives and competitive races of these 3 legend milers back in an age of innocence and fair play. Very well narrated, and a recommended listen.

Inspiring

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Goes over the personal history and traing methods of three elite athlettes and keeps the pace the pace up suitably

Bubbles along like a thriller.

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An absorbing and entertaining account of the three main protagonists in the battle to be the first to the four minute mile. Neal is a quality writer and you get a real sense of the character of each. The culture of the era also comes over well. The races are exciting and brilliantly described, and could only come from someone with a real understanding of track running.

Superbly written and researched

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A truly inspiring story of 3 great athletes persistence to break a seemingly impossible barrier. Great to learn the perspective of Roger's and closest rivals in their battle to be crowned the first in the record books.

An inspirational narrative of persistence

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