PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The 71st anniversary of the first sub-four minute mile run in the world, by Roger Bannister on 6 May 1954, has rekindled memories for Plettenberg resident Ray Wicksell.
American-born Wicksell, who has been living in South Africa for 37 years, smashed the sub-four minute mile barrier in a race at Stanford University in March 1979.
Ironically, his last "Sub-4" was at Coetzenburg in Stellenbosch in 1988, clocking the Dream Mile in 03:56 – but he came fourth in the race, beaten by three South Africans.
Starting early
Wicksell, who has been living in Plett for the past four years, says he's more of a South African than an American as he has lived in SA longer than in the USA.
Born in southern California, he started running at the age of eight and by high school he was the third fastest miler in the United States.
At this time he met Phil Knight, founder of Nike. "I learned an unbelievable amount from Phil and wanted to get involved with Nike from a young age!" Wicksell says.
Ray attended Arizona State University on a full athletics scholarship, but with his talents he had the choice of any university in America. He ran against the likes of Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett and fellow American great Steve Scott.
Psychological barrier
His greatest sporting moment was breaking the elusive four-minute mile. "I did it in 1979 at Stanford University at the Martin Luther King Games," he remembers. "I ran 03:59.77, which not only broke four minutes but won the race too. With that psychological barrier gone, I went on to break it 24 times."
These feats were highlighted in the Fitness Magazine. During this period he was part of an Olympic trial and selected as as an alternative for the USA Olympic team.
Following an illustrious and successful career in athletics and road running, Wicksell is now concentrating on youth development in sport and putting his hopes on the new generation of athletes.
Plett Street Mile
"I'm looking for new talent to mentor. It's not only me - it is a group of individuals, mostly from Plett, looking to uplift shining stars in the community."
Part of this initiative is to drum up support for the Plett Street Mile, scheduled for December.
"It is so important for the youth to set goals for themselves, not only in sport but in their lifestyle skills that could lead them to business opportunities," he says.
"We will be targeting schools in Plett and the broader community. By motivating and uplifting them, we can make a positive change in their lives."
Wicksell is a recognised motivational speaker and has tapped into his vast experience in representing top sports brand Nike to help young athletes.
Motivational team
In Plett he has already addressed the sports awards held at Greenwood Bay College. Wicksell hopes to bring old competitor Sydney Maree to Plett during the Plett Street Mile.
Among the other athletes who will form part of the motivational team are SA marathon record holder Elroy Galant, from George, and John Verster, who beat Wicksell in the Coetzenburg race.
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