Charlie O’Donovan etched his name into the historic record of one of the most celebrated milestones in track & field with his first career sub-four minute mile during the David Hemery Valentine Invitational on Saturday afternoon at the Track & Tennis Center on the Boston University campus.
The significance of running a sub-four minute mile stands alone without the need for additional supporting detail, but Charlie’s closing kick in the race only added to the magnitude of the moment. He made his move with 70 metres to go with a nifty slide into lane two after sitting on the shoulder of frontrunner Patrick Gregory who had appeared to create a bit of separation at the start of the bell lap. Charlie deftly passed Gregory approaching the final turn, with four other runners riding his coattails, crossing the line in a time of 3:58.95.
Charlie now joins the Leevale Sub4 club along with Marcus O’Sullivan, Mark Carroll, Ken Nason and Ciarán Ó Lionáird. Huge credit goes to Charlie’s coaches, Ken Nason and Marcus O’Sullivan who continue to nurture and develop this young man’s talent.
See full race here