The Miracle Mile 1954

A MOMENT IN TIME

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THE MOMENT

The Miracle Mile print with signatures
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On August 7, 1954 during the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, B.C., England’s Roger Bannister and Australian John Landy met for the first time in the one mile run at the newly constructed Empire Stadium.

Both men had broken the four minute barrier previously that year. Bannister was the first to break the mark with a time of 3:59.4 on May 6th in Oxford, England. Subsequently, on June 21st in Turku, Finland, John Landy became the new record holder with an official time of 3:58.

The world watched eagerly as both men approached the starting blocks. As 35,000 enthusiastic fans looked on, no one knew what would take place on that historic day.

Promoted as “The Mile of the Century,” it would later be known as the “Miracle Mile.”

With only 90 yards to go in one of the world’s most memorable races, John Landy glanced over his left shoulder to check his opponent’s position. At that instant Bannister streaked by him to victory in a Commonwealth record time of 3:58.8. Landy’s second place finish in 3:59.6 marked the first time the four minute mile had been broken by two men in the same race.

Such exhilarating events are common in sports but few are captured so dramatically. A moment that took only a fraction of a second was frozen in time forever.

THE RACE

PHOTOGRAPHER & ARTIST

Photographer – Charlie Warner

The Original Shot with SignatureBorn in Vancouver on June 16, 1929 Charlie Warner became a newspaper photographer for the Vancouver Sun in 1948. On assignment during the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, he stood on the sidelines that memorable day hoping for a good angle as Bannister and Landy raced around the track. At the crucial moment when Landy looked back, Charlie snapped a photo that would win him international acclaim for “best sports action picture” of 1954. A few years later he was promoted to the post of chief colour and black & white photographer at the Vancouver Sun.

”There were hoards of photographers at the finish line hoping to get ‘the shot.’ I was convinced that the place to be was on the final turn.”

Artist – Frank Crymble

The Miracle Mile print with signaturesBorn in Edmonton on September 26, 1959, Frank Crymble comes from a family with prominent artistic qualifications. Specializing in anatomy, Frank holds a degree in medical illustration from the University of Toronto. He worked as a full time medical illustrator for 5 years at the University of British Columbia. Such background explains his impeccable attention to detail. Combined with his deep passion for sports, he is the artist of choice for figures in action.

“There is no doubt the Bannister / Landy image is a strong one; one that truly depicts the tradition of true sportsmanship. However, it also serves as a focal point for what the Commonwealth Games (a.k.a. “the friendly games”) are all about. Few will take medals … all will take memories.”

PHOTOGRAPHER & ARTIST

Photographer – Charlie Warner

The Original Shot with Signature

Born in Vancouver on June 16, 1929 Charlie Warner became a newspaper photographer for the Vancouver Sun in 1948. On assignment during the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, he stood on the sidelines that memorable day hoping for a good angle as Bannister and Landy raced around the track. At the crucial moment when Landy looked back, Charlie snapped a photo that would win him international acclaim for “best sports action picture” of 1954. A few years later he was promoted to the post of chief colour and black & white photographer at the Vancouver Sun.

”There were hoards of photographers at the finish line hoping to get ‘the shot.’ I was convinced that the place to be was on the final turn.”

Artist – Frank Crymble

The Miracle Mile print with signatures

Born in Edmonton on September 26, 1959, Frank Crymble comes from a family with prominent artistic qualifications. Specializing in anatomy, Frank holds a degree in medical illustration from the University of Toronto. He worked as a full time medical illustrator for 5 years at the University of British Columbia. Such background explains his impeccable attention to detail. Combined with his deep passion for sports, he is the artist of choice for figures in action.

“There is no doubt the Bannister / Landy image is a strong one; one that truly depicts the tradition of true sportsmanship. However, it also serves as a focal point for what the Commonwealth Games (a.k.a. “the friendly games”) are all about. Few will take medals … all will take memories.”

AUTHENTICITY

Tom Locke, photographer Charlie Warner and artist Frank Crymble pose with John Landy and Sir Roger Bannister during the autographing of the orIginal painting. This original painting remains on display over the mantle piece in Tom’s home. (August 1993)

Sir Roger Bannister (foreground) and John Landy signing 1,954 limited edition prints. (August 1993)

Letter From Sir Roger

AUTHENTICITY

Tom Locke, photographer Charlie Warner and artist Frank Crymble pose with John Landy and Sir Roger Bannister during the autographing of the orIginal painting. This original painting remains on display over the mantle piece in Tom’s home. (August 1993)

Sir Roger Bannister (foreground) and John Landy signing 1,954 limited edition prints. (August 1993)

Letter From Sir Roger

The Passing Of Sir Roger

On Saturday March 3, 2018 we lost a sporting legend. But more than that, we lost a man who made his life count; a man who made significant inroads in the field of neurology; and, a man who took great pride in family.

As chairman of the Sports Council in the UK between 1971 and 1974, Sir Roger developed the first test for anabolic steroids.

In his words, “None of my athletics was the greatest achievement,” he said. “My medical work has been my achievement and my family with 14 grandchildren. Those are real achievements.”

I first met Sir Roger in August of 1993. He and John Landy of Australia both came to Vancouver that summer to sign limited edition prints to commemorate their historical Miracle Mile run at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games that were held in Vancouver. The prints were released to the public the following summer at the 1994 Games hosted in Victoria with partial proceeds going to support the athletes participating in those Games.

Sir Roger and I would meet again for the opening of the 1994 Games attending a number of luncheons and events together.

However, what I will never forget is two personal discussions I had with him. The first came in 1993 during a signing session. My two daughters, Cathy (aged 12 at the time) and Alana (aged 10), assisted with the signings. When Sir Roger found out that Alana was deaf, he pulled me aside and, for about a half an hour, he quizzed me on her condition, asking about genetic background, how her deafness was discovered and how we, as a family, were coping with her situation and supporting her. He was genuinely interested.

​In our subsequent meeting a year later, he opened up the conversation with, “How’s your daughter Alana doing?” I was both stunned and grateful.

They say in life we will experience some things that we will never forget. My meetings with Sir Roger fall into that category … truly great moments in time.

The Passing Of Sir Roger

On Saturday March 3, 2018 we lost a sporting legend. But more than that, we lost a man who made his life count; a man who made significant inroads in the field of neurology; and, a man who took great pride in family.

As chairman of the Sports Council in the UK between 1971 and 1974, Sir Roger developed the first test for anabolic steroids.

In his words, “None of my athletics was the greatest achievement,” he said. “My medical work has been my achievement and my family with 14 grandchildren. Those are real achievements.”

I first met Sir Roger in August of 1993. He and John Landy of Australia both came to Vancouver that summer to sign limited edition prints to commemorate their historical Miracle Mile run at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games that were held in Vancouver. The prints were released to the public the following summer at the 1994 Games hosted in Victoria with partial proceeds going to support the athletes participating in those Games.

Sir Roger and I would meet again for the opening of the 1994 Games attending a number of luncheons and events together.

However, what I will never forget is two personal discussions I had with him. The first came in 1993 during a signing session. My two daughters, Cathy (aged 12 at the time) and Alana (aged 10), assisted with the signings. When Sir Roger found out that Alana was deaf, he pulled me aside and, for about a half an hour, he quizzed me on her condition, asking about genetic background, how her deafness was discovered and how we, as a family, were coping with her situation and supporting her. He was genuinely interested.

​In our subsequent meeting a year later, he opened up the conversation with, “How’s your daughter Alana doing?” I was both stunned and grateful.

They say in life we will experience some things that we will never forget. My meetings with Sir Roger fall into that category … truly great moments in time.

A TRIBUTE TO CHARLE WARNER

Charlie Warner with Commemorative Medal

A Good Friend

On October 1, 2018 I lost a good friend. Charlie passed away at the age of 89 from prostrate cancer. We first met in the fall of 1992 when I pitched him my idea of creating a painting from his famous photo to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Miracle Mile in time for the 1994 Commonwealth Games that were being held in Victoria, BC that year.

Building Trust In Each Other

Charlie taking the shot

Charlie listened to what I had to say and was quick to point out that over the years many people had used his famous photo without his permission. His faith in me in making this commemorative happen remains one of the highlights of my career. One of the defining moments in our relationship was the look on Charlie’s face when I showed him an image from the original footage of him in the act of taking his historic shot (as depicted in the image above).​

Another Memorable Moment

In September of 2016 my wife and I hosted a dinner to celebrate Doug Norman’s 80th birthday. Doug and his good wife, Marg, resided in Chicago; however, Doug was born in Vancouver and witnessed the Miracle Mile first hand as a young boy. It was his favourite moment in time. Unbeknownst to Doug, we also invited Charlie and his wife, Doreen, to dinner that night. When Doug found out who Charlie was, he was over the moon.

JOHN LANDY – THE SPORTSMAN

John Landy the Sportsman

On February 24, 2022, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, John Landy died at the age of 91 at his home in Castlemaine, Victoria, a small city about 120 kilometres northwest of Melbourne.

According to his son, Matthew Landy, “Dad passed away peacefully on Thursday surrounded by what he loved most: his family and the Australian bush. He was a wonderful father, a loving husband and we feel privileged to have been a part of his remarkable life.”

I (Tom Locke) first met John Landy in his role as Commissioner – General for Australia at Expo 86 in Vancouver during a charity run I was participating in. I found him attentive, humble and blessed with a great sense of humour. He was a little taken back that I knew his birthday was April 12 – but that was easily explained as that was my grandfather’s birthday as well and he reminded me about the ”Landy connection” on a number of occasions.

John Landy was one of those people you meet in life who makes an indelible impression. By the time we met again in August of 1993, I had found out a lot more about this man seen on the left gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated on May 21, 1956 (photo credit – Mark Kaufmann). At that time he was still the world record holder for the mile run at the official recognized time of 3:58, a time that would hold up until July 1957.

However, many Australians remember John Landy for another remarkable feat, one that took place during the 1500 metre run at the Australian National Championships in 1956 prior to the Melbourne Olympics.

In the third lap of this race there was a spill with Ron Clarke, the then-junior 1500 metre world champion, going down. Landy stopped running and doubled back to make sure Ron was up and okay. Landy then went on to catch the rest of the field and win the race – yet another, “miracle moment in time.” Said the National Centre for History and Education in Australia, “It was a spontaneous gesture of sportsmanship and it has never been forgotten.”

JOHN LANDY – THE SPORTSMAN

John Landy Sports Illustrated Cover May 1956

On February 24, 2022, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, John Landy died at the age of 91 at his home in Castlemaine, Victoria, a small city about 120 kilometres northwest of Melbourne.

According to his son, Matthew Landy, “Dad passed away peacefully on Thursday surrounded by what he loved most: his family and the Australian bush. He was a wonderful father, a loving husband and we feel privileged to have been a part of his remarkable life.”

I (Tom Locke) first met John Landy in his role as Commissioner – General for Australia at Expo 86 in Vancouver during a charity run I was participating in. I found him attentive, humble and blessed with a great sense of humour. He was a little taken back that I knew his birthday was April 12 – but that was easily explained as that was my grandfather’s birthday as well and he reminded me about the ”Landy connection” on a number of occasions.

John Landy was one of those people you meet in life who makes an indelible impression. By the time we met again in August of 1993, I had found out a lot more about this man seen on the left gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated on May 21, 1956 (photo credit – Mark Kaufmann). At that time he was still the world record holder for the mile run at the official recognized time of 3:58, a time that would hold up until July 1957.

However, many Australians remember John Landy for another remarkable feat, one that took place during the 1500 metre run at the Australian National Championships in 1956 prior to the Melbourne Olympics.

In the third lap of this race there was a spill with Ron Clarke, the then-junior 1500 metre world champion, going down. Landy stopped running and doubled back to make sure Ron was up and okay. Landy then went on to catch the rest of the field and win the race – yet another, “miracle moment in time.” Said the National Centre for History and Education in Australia, “It was a spontaneous gesture of sportsmanship and it has never been forgotten.”

REVIEWS

Tom, thank you so much for the artist proof of ‘The Mile of the Century’ signed by Roger Bannister, John Landy and Frank Crymble, the artist. It was a Christmas present for my son, an avid runner. To say he was thrilled and amazed and definitely surprised is a gross understatement! Thank you too for the promptness in getting the proof to me. It was very close to Christmas [2012] when I found your website and you were so terrific in doing whatever it took to get it to me in time.

The proof arrived in perfect condition thanks to the excellent packaging and so quickly I even had time to get the proof framed! The time between purchase and arrival at my door was nothing short of miraculous considering it was being shipped from Canada to Arizona. You stayed in constant contact with me going through the whole process from start to finish and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated that too! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking to purchase such an amazing piece of history.

Anna F, Arizona, USA

My husband is an avid track fan, and has always admired Roger Bannister and John Landy. He was surfing the internet and came upon Tom Locke’s website which had prints from “The Miracle Mile.” My husband raved about the print and told me it was even autographed by Roger Bannister, John Landy and the artist. As our 24th wedding anniversary would be shortly upon us, I thought the print would be a great gift. I called Tom Locke, who could not have been nicer or more helpful. He explained the difference between artist proofs and limited edition prints he carried. Feeling comfortable with Mr. Locke, I sent a personal check for an artist proof and requested he contact me when the check arrived. Not only did he e-mail me when the check arrived, but he also e-mailed me when he mailed the print. The print came in pristine condition, protected by a very sturdy mailing tube. His shipping costs were extremely reasonable, considering the print was mailed from Canada to California. My husband could not have been happier with the print, and he cannot wait until I am able to have it framed. Thank you Tom for providing a quality product, at a wonderful price with OUTSTANDING customer service!

Lori M, California, USA

Print received. Thank you. Cant wait to give it to my Father for Christmas. He is a BIG FAN of both of them!

Lachlan G, Melbourne, Australia

That race was a magical moment in time. The receiving of the print at Christmas also proved to be a magical moment in time in a Vernon, BC household. Per the lady of the house, ” … the miracle mile print is framed and on the wall. It has brought a lot of excitement and stories into our home. My sons also enjoyed the DVD as they are avid sports enthusiasts and didn’t mind hearing their father talk … and talk … about the race. Not easy to impress 22 and 20 year olds.”

Lucia, Vernon, BC, Canada