In the annals of athletics, certain benchmarks stand as monumental tests of human capability. The four-minute mile, once deemed an insurmountable barrier for men, was shattered by Roger Bannister over 71 years ago. Today, for women, that same sub-four-minute mark remains an elusive frontier, a challenge beckoning only the most extraordinary athletes. On Thursday, at the Stade Charléty in Paris, Kenya’s illustrious three-time Olympic champion, Faith Kipyegon, made a valiant and unforgettable bid to conquer this final frontier, in an event dubbed "Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile."
While the clock ultimately stopped just shy of her audacious goal, Kipyegon's performance was nothing short of historic. She powered across the finish line in a blistering 4 minutes, 06.42 seconds – a time that is officially the fastest mile ever run by a woman. This incredible feat surpassed her own established world record of 4:07.64, set nearly two years ago during a Diamond League meet in Monaco. Although her latest time will not be formally recognized by the international federation due to the unofficial, Nike-sponsored nature of the event—which included male pacemakers and advanced, non-sanctioned gear—its significance resonates deeply within the running world and beyond.
The 31-year-old Kenyan phenomenon, renowned for her dominance in the 1,500-meter distance (holding three consecutive Olympic gold medals and the current world record of 3:49.04), approached this mile attempt not as a tactical race, but as a pure test of will. "I gave everything today to try," Kipyegon stated, visibly exhausted as she lay on the track surrounded by photographers after her punishing effort. "It was the first trial. I have proven that it's possible and it's only a matter of time. I think it will come to our way. If it's not me, it will be somebody else. I know one day, one time a woman will run under 4:00. I will not lose hope. I will still go for it."
The meticulous planning behind the "Breaking4" event aimed to create optimal conditions for Kipyegon's monumental effort. On a balmy Parisian evening with minimal wind and temperatures hovering around 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit), Kipyegon was supported by an elite team of 13 pacemakers, comprising 11 men and two women, strategically positioned to minimize aerodynamic drag. Equipped with Nike's latest innovations, including an aerodynamic track suit and cutting-edge spikes, she stayed precisely on the inside of the track, guided by the luminous Wavelight pacing system. Despite appearing to struggle midway through the race and needing to shave approximately two seconds off each of her four laps to hit the sub-four mark, her determination was unwavering until the very end.
The presence of athletics legends like Carl Lewis and Kipyegon's long-time friend and training partner, Eliud Kipchoge—who famously broke the two-hour marathon barrier in a similar unofficial event—underscored the magnitude of her attempt. Kipyegon's quest is not just about a record; it's about pushing the boundaries of what is believed possible for women in athletics, inspiring a generation to dream bigger. Her message to her daughter and other young girls watching resonated with profound simplicity and power: "I will tell them we are not limited. We can limit ourselves with thoughts, but it is possible to try everything and prove to the world that we are strong. Keep pushing."
