Mile News


Dyrol Burleson (1954-58) Lions’ World Class Track Legend

March 05, 2008

Two-time Olympian was first runner to break the 4-minute Mile barrier at the University of Oregon

By Jerry Thompson, Cottage Grove Sentinel

It all began with a magazine cover. As a 14-year old growing up in Cottage Grove, Dyrol Burleson saw a photo of Great Britain's Roger Bannister on the cover of Sports Illustrated , a magazine that had existed for less than one year. In 1954 Bannister became the first person to ever run the Mile under 4 minutes. Burleson's response to viewing the image of Bannister was, "I want to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and I want to run the Mile." Up to that point Burleson had no special interest in track or the Mile run, but he had decided on what he wanted to do for a career.

"When I was eight years old I went to the Redwoods with my brother," Burleson said. "I saw a park ranger on a horse and I knew I wanted to be a park ranger."

Burleson didn't forsake the park ranger ambition, but landing on the cover of Sports Illustrated became his foremost goal.

As an eighth grader, Burleson had gone out for track but hadn't excelled in any event.

"I did a little high jump and long jump, but wasn't all that good at anything ," Burleson remembers.

With the Bannister inspiration, Dyrol decided to try distance running. "When I first ran, I realized I could beat other people," Burleson said. "Chick, (CGHS track coach Wally Ciochetti) told me I ought to run cross country."

Continue reading at: cgsentinel.com

Tags: roger bannister (174) , dyrol burleson (9)

Facebook Comments

Return the Mile to prominence on the American & worldwide sports and cultural landscape by elevating and celebrating the Mile to create a movement.

ELEVATE
Bring Back the Mile as the premier event in the sport, and increase interest in and media coverage of the Mile for both those who love the distance as well as the general public.

CELEBRATE
Bring Back the Mile to celebrate the storied distance and to recognize the people who made and make the Mile great and to promote Mile events and the next generation of U.S. Milers.

NATIONAL MOVEMENT
Bring Back the Mile to create a national movement for the Mile as America’s Distance,
to inspire Americans to run the Mile as part of their fitness program and to replace the 1600 meters at High School State Track & Field Meets across the country.

Become a Mile Maniac member or a BBTM sponsor today! Join us, and go Mile!

Join Us

Thanks for joining the movement and being a Mile Maniac. We'll keep you up to-date with our Mile wires as well as exclusive contests and opportunities. Help us spread the word by sharing our site and joining us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!