In May, 2005, admirers of Laszlo Tabori gathered to honor the legendary Hungarian middle-distance man with a surprise commemoration of the 50th anniversary of his becoming the third man ever to break the four-minute mile (3.59.00 on May 28, 1955). Only the great Roger Bannister (3:59.4, 1954) and John Landy (3:58.0, 1954) preceded him in his effort.

Laszlo, who now coaches recreational to elite runners, as well as operating his own sports shop in Southern California, was brought to the home of Coach Mike Wagenbach (L.A. Trade Tech)--one of his former protégés--under false pretenses. Instead of meeting a new athletic prospect, Laszlo faced a crowd of past and present running students, coaching colleagues, friends and family wishing him a happy anniversary.