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| Rabbi Dr Albert H Friedlander & Sir Roger Bannister |
This afternoon we heard the news that Sir Roger Bannister has died at the age of 88. Although he is best known for being the first runner to break the barrier of 4 minutes for running the mile, as I read through the obituaries and testimonials, it is clear that running was more his avocation, and medicine his vocation. Perhaps, therefore, it was all the more so thrilling for Albert to meet him and have a good conversation together.
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| bottom left: "Friedlander, miler" |
It is a gene that lies most dormant in me, but my father both loved running and had some ability. I understand that he turned down an athletic scholarship to LSU in order to attend the University of Chicago. He could run the mile in about 4 & 1/2 minutes in the early 1940's, and his coach thought he might have a chance in the 1948 Olympics. However, his mother would have none of that (he needed to concentrate on his studies) and over the summer managed to fatten him up enough to thwart this plan!
But today is about Sir Roger, so I will conclude by stating how much Albert admired him as an athlete, and as a mensch. With condolences to his loved ones, may he rest in peace.
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| running with his children in the park |
Appreciation from the BBC website including video of the record-breaking run, and an archival interview.
NY Times obit (behind a paywall but a few free articles available)
Daily Mirror (including several tributes & tweets)
Financial Times obit
The Guardian obit
Runners World obit (annoying pop-up ads)
Bath Chronicle (former Bath schoolboy)
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