Bannister carries Olympic torch on fabled track

The Olympic Flame is passed between Sir Roger Bannister and Oxford doctoral student Nicola Byrom on the running track at Iffley Road Stadium in Oxford, England, on Tuesday. Bannister was the first person ever to run a sub four-minute-mile, on May 6, 1954, at this track in Oxford. Bannister returned to the site of his greatest sporting achievement, to participate in the Olympic Torch relay as the Olympic flame is carried around the country to the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games. (AP/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Roger Bannister has carried the Olympic torch across the finish line of the Oxford track where he became the first runner to break the 4-minute barrier for the mile 58 years ago.

The 83-year-old Bannister walked 30 meters (yards) along the track Tuesday, holding the Olympic torch in his left hand as hundreds cheered.

Wearing a suit and tie, he handed the torch to an Oxford student who then ran a full lap around the track.

Bannister says he feels "right at home" on the track where he ran the mile in 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds on May 6, 1954.

He says the strong winds on a chilly, rainy Tuesday reminded him of that historic day when "the weather was so bad that I nearly decided not to attempt it."