Tom O'Hara

For other people named Tom O'Hara, see Tom O'Hara (disambiguation).

Tom O'Hara (born 27 May 1942) was the first native of the U.S. state of Illinois to break the four-minute barrier for the mile run. He accomplished this feat in 1963 when he ran the mile in 3:59.4. He also held the world record for fastest mile in indoor track, which was set when he ran the mile in 3:56.6 on February 13, 1964. He later beat that record on March 6 of the same year with a time of 3:56.4, a world record that stood for fourteen years.

At St. Ignatius College Prep High School, in Chicago, Illinois, O'Hara was a star runner on the school's cross country and track and field teams, often running—and winning—the quarter mile, half mile, mile, and mile relay in a single meet. He was a member of the Loyola University Chicago track, cross country, and indoor track teams. He was the individual champion of NCAA Division I men's cross country in 1962, and he participated in the 1500 m at the 1964 Summer Olympics, where he qualified for the semi-finals.

References

• Creamer, Robert. "From Humdrum To Well-done In One Easy Mile," Sports Illustrated, February 24, 3064.
• Brody, Tom C. "Now, If O'hara Really Tries...," Sports Illustrated, March 16, 1964.
• Underwood, John. "Running Is Such Sweet Torture," Sports Illustrated, June 22, 1964.
• Loyola Ramblers Hall of Fame Members – Loyola University Chicago.