MELBOURNE, Feb 26, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Athletics trailblazer John Landy, the
second man to break the four-minute mile after arch-rival Roger Bannister,
has died aged 91, sporting officials said Saturday.

  The Australian former mile and 1500m world record holder passed away at his
home on Thursday.

  Landy was renowned for his rivalry with England's Bannister as they both
sought to make history and conquer the four-minute mark.

  Bannister was first, clocking 3:59.4 in Oxford on May 6, 1954. But Landy
went better 46 days later in Finland with a time of 3:58.0 -- a record that
stood for the next three years.

  "If Australia needed a role model, it is John Landy," said Australian
Olympic Committee President John Coates.

  "He was a pioneer -- and his rivalry with Roger Bannister, as the pair
closed on the sub-four-minute mark for the mile, captured not only
Australia's imagination, but that of the world."

  The two-time Olympian will also be remembered for one of the most selfless
sporting acts of the 20th century, during the mile at the 1956 Australian
championships.

  With about a lap and a half to go, young compatriot Ron Clarke tripped and
fell.

  Landy leapt over him but then turned back to help him to his feet as the
field rushed past. Incredibly, Landy was still able to chase down the leaders
and win.

  It was voted the finest sporting moment of the century at the Sport
Australia Hall of Fame Gala in 1999.

  "John knew what it took to excel at the highest level, and his
determination to reach new heights has inspired generations of Australian
distance runners," said Athletics Australia President Jan Swinhoe.

  "His athleticism was only matched by his sportsmanship and his service to
others, and those qualities have allowed him to leave behind a powerful
legacy."

  In later life, Landy served as governor of Victoria state from 2001-2006.