WORLD MILE RECORD

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28619, 23 June 1958, Page 11

WORLD MILE RECORD

Elliott Sets New Time

BAKERSFIELD (California), June 21. Herb Elliott, of Australia, broke the official world record for the mile tonight to win the United States mile championship in 3min 57.95ec. The accepted world record is 3min 58sec. by John Landy, but, besides Elliott’s effort tonight, there are two faster times. One of them is also by Elliott. Last month, in his first competitive run in the United States, he ran 3min 57.8 sec. Derek Ibbotson. of England, has a still faster time of 3min 57.25ec to his credit. Ibbotson's time has been rejected as a world record once by the International Amateur Athletic Federation because a pacemaker was used.

There is doubt whether Elliott’s 3min 57.8 sec will be recognised because a pacemaker also ran in that race. It will be submitted nevertheless.

Ibbotson’s time may yet be recognised by the federation, which has no definite rule against paced races for records.

Tonight’s race was one of the great duels in athletic history. Elliott finished only three strides or so ahead of his great rival. Mervyn Lincoln, also an Australian.

Elliott put on a blazing finish, but Lincoln, who had stuck with him shoulder to shoulder as they entered the last lap, was on his heels as the tape came in sight. But Lincoln struggled vainly as Elliott increased his pace. Lincoln recorded 3min 58.5SCC, his fastest time ever. His previous best was 3min 58.9 sec, set in Australia. Ed Moran, of the United States, was third in 4min I.7sec. “It wasn’t my best effort. I should have done much better,” said Elliott as he walked back to the cheers of the crowd. “I felt very w r eak,” he said. “I want to apologise to everyone for not doing better.”