Faith Kipyegon gave everything in Paris, but history will have to wait. The Kenyan star ran a staggering 4:06.42 in her attempt to become the first woman to run a sub-4-minute mile.
The Stade Sébastien Charléty buzzed with anticipation as Kipyegon lined up for her groundbreaking challenge, backed by Nike and a team of elite pacemakers. Despite falling short, she shaved more than a second off her own previous best.
Her time, though faster than her world record of 4:07.64, won’t be officially recognized due to the race’s unofficial status. But that did little to diminish the sheer scale of her ambition or the courage it took to attempt it.
Kipyegon is already a legend of middle-distance running. A three-time Olympic gold medallist and four-time world champion in the 1500m, she holds the world record in the event at 3:49.04.
The race, titled “Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile,” was as much a statement as it was a sporting feat. “Why not dream outside the box?” she asked beforehand, adding: “If you believe in yourself, and your team believes in you, you can do it.”
Running under the warm Parisian sun, with temperatures around 25°C and little wind, Kipyegon was flanked by 13 pacemakers: 11 men and two women, to manage her pace and reduce wind resistance. Still, the effort took its toll.
Visibly spent as she crossed the line, Kipyegon collapsed to the track, greeted by applause, cameras, and admiration. Watching from the sidelines were track icons like Carl Lewis and her compatriot Eliud Kipchoge.
Though the elusive milestone remains unbroken, Kipyegon’s run was a landmark moment for women in sport, a bold, defiant message that barriers are made to be pushed.
