Faith Kipyegon Sets Sights on Historic Sub-Four-Minute Mile
In the world of athletics, there are moments that transcend the sport itself, capturing the imagination of fans and inspiring generations. One such moment is on the horizon as three-time Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon, the world-record holder for the women’s mile, has announced her audacious plan to attempt breaking the four-minute mile barrier. This announcement, made on a seemingly ordinary Wednesday, has sent ripples of excitement and anticipation throughout the athletic community.
In a statement that reflects her indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence, Kipyegon said, “I’m a three-time Olympic champion. I’ve achieved world championship titles. I thought: What else? Why not dream outside the box?” This statement encapsulates the essence of an athlete who has already achieved so much yet continues to push the boundaries of what is possible.
The stage for this historic attempt is set for June 26 at Stade Charléty in Paris. This venue is not chosen at random; it is part of a yearlong Nike project aptly named “Breaking 4.” Nike has identified Stade Charléty as the optimal location for Kipyegon’s attempt due to its rubber track and the fact that she has clocked her fastest 1,500- and 5,000-meter times there. The precise timing of the attempt will be contingent on weather conditions, ensuring that every possible advantage is leveraged in this quest for history.
Kipyegon, now 31, is no stranger to setting records. She set the world record in the women’s mile with a time of 4:07.64 at the Monaco Diamond League race in July 2023, shaving nearly five seconds off the previous record, which had stood for four years. Her accolades include winning the past three Olympic gold medals and holding the world record in the 1,500 meters, as well as previously holding the world record in the 5,000 meters.
However, the challenge she faces now is monumental. Dropping nearly 8 seconds from her current world record, set only two years ago, is a mammoth goal. To put this into perspective, it has taken women more than 30 years to shave the same amount of time off the world record. This is not just a race against the clock; it is a race against history.
Seema Simmons, Nike’s vice president of global women’s running, shared her insights with ESPN, saying, “In talking with Faith, we saw instantly her courage in taking on this challenge. It’s a big goal to shave 8 seconds off the mile, but she feels ready. She’s challenging decades of incremental progress in a very short span of time.”
This ambitious endeavor draws parallels to a similar Nike project in 2017, when Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge ran a marathon in 2:00:25 as part of the “Breaking 2” project, which aimed at breaking the two-hour marathon barrier. Although Kipchoge’s run was not recognized as a world record due to the conditions of the race, including the use of a rotating cast of pace-setters, it was a landmark achievement in the sport.
Similarly, Kipyegon’s attempt in June will not meet her sport’s official standards, meaning her time will not be recognized if she eclipses her world record. But as Amy Jones Vaterlaus, vice president at the Nike Sport Research Lab, told ESPN, “Faith’s goal is not just about her breaking a four-minute mile, and that’s what’s special. It is grounded in her legacy around confidence and ambition for women and girls. She says she wants them to see they can dream their dream.”
- Faith Kipyegon aims to break the four-minute mile.
- The attempt is part of Nike’s “Breaking 4” project.
- The event will take place at Stade Charléty in Paris.
- Kipyegon holds the world record in the women’s mile at 4:07.64.
- The attempt will not be officially recognized due to race conditions.
As the date approaches, the world will be watching, not just to see if Kipyegon can achieve the impossible, but to witness a moment that could redefine the limits of human potential. Her journey is a testament to the power of dreaming big and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Originally Written by: Alyssa Roenigk
