The "Roger Bannister Effect" refers to the phenomenon where a groundbreaking achievement inspires others to surpass similar barriers quickly thereafter. This term stems from Roger Bannister, who, on May 6, 1954, became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes—a feat long considered impossible. His achievement not only broke the perceived physical and psychological barriers but also led to many athletes subsequently breaking the four-minute mark, demonstrating how a pioneering accomplishment can reshape perceptions of what is possible and lead to rapid advancements in performance.