"I suppose he's my hero," Barnes told Business Insider.
Bannister's accomplishment inspired him to take up competitive running — a sport at which he still excels at 89.
The retired legal executive holds three British records in the over-85s category: a mile (8:10.40), 1,500 meters (7:38.41), and 3,000 meters (16:34.42).
"These days, I compete against the clock," Barnes said, noting that few people in his age bracket run at a similar level.
Advertisement"At my age, you can't expect to win races, so the objective is to win records," Barnes added.
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