3,000 metres Steeplechase, Men

There was finally an official world record as the IAAF recognized the steeplechase record in 1954, the first ratified mark being set by Sándor Rozsnyói (HUN) who ran 8:49.6 in winning the 1954 European Championships. That was actually slower than several other previous marks, notably the Olympic record set by Horace Ashenfelter in 1952 (8:45.4). By the time of the Melbourne Olympics, that had been bettered six times, the mark standing at 8:39.8 set by Semyon Rzhishchin in August 1956. Ashenfelter was back but would not qualify for the final.

The race was a close group finish over the last lap, six runners remaining together. Norway’s Ernst Larsen had taken the early lead and would not be caught until two laps remained. On the final lap, Britain’s Chris Brasher saw an opening on the inside and moved past Larsen, brushing him as he did, and pulled away to win.

Shortly after the finish, Brasher was initially disqualified for this move. But the disqualification was appealed and all the other runners supported Brasher, including Larsen, who said it had made no difference. Brasher is well-known among track fans as one of the pacers who supported Roger Bannister during his world record attempt in 1954 that resulted in the breaking of the four-minute mile barrier and also as the co-founder of the London Marathon.