How many high schoolers have broken 4 minutes in the mile?

By Jayson Panganiban March 30, 2024 10:11

Photo by KIRBY LEE/IMAGE OF SPORT

The quest to break the four-minute mile barrier has been a long-standing pursuit in the world of athletics, which is why Fan Arch is keen on shedding light on the phenomenal athletes who have set records and championed over this astonishing feat.

This piece looks into the impressive achievements of American high school students who have accomplished this remarkable feat, shedding light on the history, notable individuals, and the significant increase in the number of high schoolers breaking the 4-minute mile in recent years.

Historical Perspective

The history of the four-minute mile dates back to 1954 when Roger Bannister achieved this remarkable feat, setting the stage for a new level of achievement in middle-distance running.

However, it wasn't until 1964 that a high school student, Jim Ryun, from Wichita, Kansas, broke this barrier, running the mile in a time of 3:59.0 at the Compton Relays.

Ryun's achievement marked a significant milestone in high school track and field history, inspiring future generations of runners to pursue this elusive goal.

Notable Record Holders

Several exceptional athletes have left their mark on the high school sub-4-minute mile list.

Notable names include Jim Ryun, who not only broke the barrier but also set a national high school record of 3:55.3, a record that stood for an impressive 37 years until it was broken by Alan Webb in 2001. Alan Webb, from Reston, Virginia, achieved this remarkable feat with a time of 3:53.43, solidifying his place in high school track and field history.

These individuals, among others, have set the benchmark for aspiring high school runners and have continued to inspire future generations.

Recent Surge in Achievements

In recent years, there has been a remarkable surge in the number of high school students breaking the 4-minute mile barrier.

The list of American high school students achieving this feat has expanded significantly since 2015, with more than triple the number of runners joining this exclusive club.

Notable recent additions include JoJo Jourdon, a senior from Salt Lake City, Utah, who ran 3:59.87 at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston, becoming the most recent addition to this elite club.

This surge in achievements raises questions about the factors contributing to this trend, such as improved coaching, advancements in shoe technology, and the accessibility of online training resources.

Impact and Future Prospects

Many of the high school students who have run sub-4-minute miles have gone on to achieve remarkable success in their professional careers.

Ryun, for instance, broke multiple world records and earned an Olympic medal in the 1500 meters.

Alan Webb, the U.S. national and high school record holder, held the American mile record for 16 years and still holds the high school mile record. Grant Fisher, another notable name, has broken American records in the outdoor 10,000-meters and 5,000-meters.

Recent Achievements

The recent achievements in breaking the 4-minute mile barrier by American high schoolers have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Notable among these achievements are Colin Sahlman's remarkable 3:56.24 at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, and Gary Martin's 3:57.89 at the Festival of Miles in St. Louis, Missouri.

The achievement of running a sub-4-minute mile is a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work of American high school runners.

From the historic breakthrough by Jim Ryun to the recent surge in achievements, the pursuit of this milestone has captivated the world of athletics. As the list of American high school students breaking the 4-minute mile continues to grow, it is evident that the future of middle-distance running is in good hands.