Derek Ibbotson

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George Derek Ibbotson (born June 17, 1932 in Huddersfield, England) is an English runner who excelled in athletics in the 1950s. His most famous achievement was setting a new world record in the mile in 1957.

Ibbotson was born in Huddersfield and studied at King James's Grammar School in Almondbury. He was of the generation that included other great British milers such as Roger Bannister, Chris Brasher, and Christopher Chataway. He was the junior champion in Britain in 1951.

After service in the Royal Air Force, Ibbotson returned to competition. In 1956 at Melbourne, he won a bronze medal in the 5000 meters. After the Games, Ibbotson focused on the mile run.

On July 19, 1957 in London, Ibbotson trimmed .8 seconds off the record set by John Landy three years earlier. Ibbotson also was on the record 4 by 1 mile relay team that set a world record in 1958. He would also later set indoor and outdoor records at two miles.

On September 3, 1958, Ibbotson entered sports trivia books by running the first ever 4 minute mile, finishing fourth in exactly 4:00.00 at White City.