Faith Kipyegon ran a mile in 4 minutes, 6.42 seconds — more than a second faster than her world record — at “Breaking4,” a special event billed as Kipyegon’s attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes.
“Exhausted,” Kipyegon said on the broadcast. “I’m tired, but I feel good I’ve tried. That is why I’m coming here, try to be the first woman to run under four minutes. But I’ve proven that it’s possible. It’s only a matter of time, but I think it will come to our way. If it’s not me, it will be somebody else.”
Kipyegon, a 31-year-old from Kenya, ran four laps of the track at Stade Sébastien Charléty in Paris.
In July 2023, she ran the official women’s mile world record of 4:07.64 in Monaco.
Thursday’s event was not record eligible as Kipyegon’s 13 pacers included men. The group included American Grant Fisher, the Olympic 5000m and 10,000m bronze medalist.
Kipyegon won the last three Olympic gold medals in the 1500m — the closest Olympic distance to the mile, which is 1,609 meters. She is the only woman to win any individual Olympic track race three times.
For Thursday’s event, Nike, which sponsors Kipyegon, developed what it called a system of speed: including a shoulder-to-knee, skin-tight suit and new “featherweight” shoes.
In 1954, Englishman Roger Bannister became the first man to run a mile under four minutes.
She came through 400m in 60.20 and 800m at 2:00.75.
During her third lap, the pace slightly slowed and she split 3:01.84 through the first 1200m.
She left it all on the track, but she was unable to make up the ground over her final 409m.
“I’m so grateful to have proven to the world that everything is possible,” said Kipyegon after her attempt. “I have proven that something special is coming.”
Kipyegon is arguably the best woman middle-distance athlete of all time. She has three Olympic 1500m medals and also owns the official mile world record of 4:07.64. Tonight’s attempt will not count as an official World Record for several reasons, including the use of proprietary shoe technology that has not been approved by World Athletics for competitive-use.
Roger Bannister became the first person in history to break four minutes when he, on May 6 of 1954, broke the then-impossible barrier.
But even with his achievement, not many thought it would be remotely possible for a woman to achieve the feat in the near future.
Until Faith Kipyegon arrived.
No other woman has ever run faster than 4:12.33 over the Mile. Over the 1500m distance, Kipyegon owns seven of the top ten times in history.
And tonight, she took one step closer to the 4-minute barrier.
Who Were The Pacers?
Nike assembled some of the best athletes in their stable to attempt the feat.
Pacers included the likes of Indoor 5k World Record Holder Grant Fisher, Craig Engels, Niels Laros, Jemma Reekie, Georgia Hunter Bell and a number of other Nike Stars.#
Custom Gear To Help Kipyegon’s Performance
Prior to the attempt, Nike revealed several details surrounding Kipyegon’s custom gear for Breaking4.
In the effort, she wore a custom Fly Suit, a FlyWeb Bra, and custom Victory Elite spikes.
The Fly Suit is essentially a speed suit aimed at reducing drag and improving aerodynamic efficiency. It was coupled with a headband and arm sleeves to minimize any aerodynamic inefficiencies that the human hair and skin may produce.
The FlyWeb Bra is made of a 3D printed TPU mesh. TPU foam is commonly used in super shoes because of its lightweight nature. Nike used the filament to create a mesh material that is considered breathable and supposedly allowed for better movement.
Nike then took their Victory 2 spikes and made custom alterations and adjustments to allow for the attempt. They specifically fit Kipyegon’s foot, but Nike took additional opportunities to tune the outsole and carbon plate.
By Agencies