The First Four Minute Mile with Tom Hulatt
Sports fans all over the world know that Roger Bannister was the first
athlete to run the first sub four-minute mile
on May 6th 1954. His time of
3-59-4 at the Iffley Road track in Oxford sent shock waves all around the world.
Those black and white images of Bannister collapsing into the arms of his
supporters after he chested the tape
will forever be one of the nations
greatest sporting moments.
Fifty years on, most athletics fans will also remember that Chris
Chataway crossed the line in second place
but not so many will know that Tom
Hulatt took third place.
Tom who was born and bred in Tibshelf near Alfreton
earned his living as a colliery worker
and was the Derbyshire and Northern Counties one-mile champion in 1953 and
1954.
He was the only non-student in the race and he was invited because he
was Northern Champion
but nationally he was unknown. Tom recorded the time of
4min 16secs and after the race left the track quietly
while the crowd mobbed
Bannister in celebration of his new world record. The moment in history was
justifiably Bannister's.
Tom was an unassuming man from a typical working-class background and
was a natural runner.
In the mid fifties he worked at Williamthorpe Colliery
and used to run five miles to work,
complete his shift and run the five miles
home.
Once when competing at Newcastle-upon-Tyne
he was worried that he would not be able to get to the venue
if he journeyed on
the day of the race. Therefore he travelled up the day previous to the meeting
armed
with a blanket and slept rough that night because he could not afford the
cost of the accommodation,
competed the following day then made his way home.
The start of the four minute mile Tom Hulatt is the first on the left
click on photo to enlarge
Tom ran for a number of clubs including Alfreton Athletics Club,
Hallamshire Harriers and Chesterfield Harriers.
He was Northern Champion at one
mile, three miles and the 3000 metres steeplechase
and Derbyshire champion at
one mile and 880 yards.
When he was forced to retire through Achilles tendon
trouble he became coach for Chesterfield Harriers.
William
Thomas Hulatt died of a heart attack on the 21st May 1990 at the relatively
young age of 59
. Older parishioners remember Tommy and his athletic
achievements especially in regards to 1954,
which was arguably his best season.
Many saw Tom run at the annual Tibshelf Horticultural Show and Sports
which for
many years was the focal point of the village year.
he also became the local rat catcher
They also remember him as a
son of the village, always approachable, a down-to-earth character,
quietly
enjoying a drink in the local taverns, yet always willing to share his
experiences of that event with anyone that asked.
