Gunder Hagg, Record-Setting Swedish Miler, Dies At 85
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Gunder Hagg, who set the mile world record in 1945 and held it until Roger Bannister broke the four-minute barrier, died Saturday at 85 after a long illness.
Hagg broke 15 world marks in middle-distance running and set no less than 10 world marks over three months in 1942. That year, the Swede also was the first to run 5,000 meters in under 14 minutes.
On July 17, 1945, Hagg set a world record for the mile of 4 minutes, 1.4 seconds, which remained until Bannister went 3:59.4 nine years later.
“Gunder the Wonder” toured the United States in 1943, when he won seven of eight races and was The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year.
Hagg was disqualified from amateur competition in 1946 for receiving money for his running.
