1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games
The 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, from 30 July to 7 August 1954. This was the first event since the name change from British Empire Games took effect in 1952.
| Host city | Vancouver, Canada |
|---|---|
| Nations | 24 |
| Athletes | 662 |
| Events | 91 |
| Opening | 30 July 1954 |
| Closing | 7 August 1954 |
| Opened by | Earl Alexander of Tunis |
| Closed by | Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh |
| Athlete's Oath | Bill Parnell |
| Main venue | Empire Stadium |
It was at these games that the "Miracle Mile" took place between Roger Bannister and John Landy at Empire Stadium. This was the first time these two (and at that time the only two) sub-four-minute mile runners appeared in the same race, and also the first time two runners broke four minutes in the same race. On the same afternoon, Jim Peters, the holder of the world best time for the marathon, entered the stadium 17 minutes ahead of his nearest rival, but collapsed on his final lap, and never completed the race.
The games were attended by 24 nations and 662 competitors.