The athlete famous for breaking the four-minute mile is Roger Bannister. He achieved this landmark feat on May 6, 1954, in Oxford, England, completing the mile in 3 minutes 59.4 seconds. Bannister's accomplishment marked a significant milestone in athletics, shattering perceptions about the limits of human performance in distance running. His dedication, training, and mental toughness have inspired countless athletes to pursue their own goals, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in sports.