British runner Roger Bannister breaks the four-minute mile in England in 1954

On May 6th, 1954, in Oxford, England, Roger Bannister made history by running a mile in under four minutes. He applied his scientific understanding of biological reactions and respiration to optimize his performance. His strategic planning culminated in a final lunge that stopped the clock at 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds, breaking the previously deemed impossible 4-minute barrier.

What specific field did Bannister apply his findings to in relation to running?

What was the significance of Bannister's final lunge across the finish line?