All eyes in the athletics world are firmly fixed on the Stade Charléty in Paris today, as Kenyan superstar Faith Kipyegon prepares to etch her name even deeper into the annals of sporting history. The undisputed queen of middle-distance running is scheduled to attempt what many consider the final frontier for women in athletics: breaking the elusive four-minute barrier in the mile.
Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon, born on January 10, 1994, is a name synonymous with unparalleled dominance and record-breaking achievements. At 31 years old, this "smiling assassin" has already achieved what no other athlete, male or female, has done in the 1500 metres: securing three Olympic gold medals over the distance. Her trophy cabinet also boasts multiple World Championship titles, and she currently holds the world records for both the 1500 metres and the mile, having clocked a stunning 4:07.64 in Monaco in 2023. She was also a former world record holder for the 5,000 metres, further cementing her status as the most decorated woman middle-distance athlete of all time.
The four-minute mile has long stood as an iconic benchmark in track and field, first conquered by Roger Bannister in 1954. Since then, almost 2,100 men have achieved this remarkable feat, yet no woman has ever managed to dip below the four-minute mark. Kipyegon’s decision to chase this specific milestone, rather than opting for another world record in her already dominant 1500m or 5000m, underscores her ambition to push the boundaries of human possibility and solidify her legacy beyond conventional achievements.
This audacious "moonshot" attempt is being meticulously supported by Nike, Kipyegon's long-standing partner of 16 years. Drawing inspiration from Eliud Kipchoge’s groundbreaking sub-two-hour marathon, Nike is providing a comprehensive support system designed to optimize every aspect of Kipyegon’s performance. This includes cutting-edge innovation in footwear (such as special super-spikes) and apparel (including an aerodynamic speed suit and a revolutionary FlyWeb Bra), as well as a dedicated team of pacers. The event, dubbed "Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile," is a testament to the power of human spirit combined with advanced sports science.
For fans eager to witness this historic moment, Nike has ensured global accessibility. The doors of the Stade Charléty in Paris’ 13th arrondissement opened at 6:30 p.m. East African Time, with programming commencing at 8 p.m. Kipyegon’s highly anticipated attempt is planned for 9 p.m. East African Time. For those unable to be present in person, Nike, in partnership with Box To Box Films, is offering a global livestream broadcast accessible across various platforms, including Nike’s YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Douyin accounts, as well as Prime Video, starting from 8:15 p.m. East African Time. The broadcast will be available in all countries where these platforms operate, with replays also accessible for those who miss the live event.
