Faith Kipyegon falls short in sub-four-minute mile bid
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Faith Kipyegon narrowly misses sub-four-minute mile but sets fastest time in history by a woman.
Faith Kipyegon’s Mile Quest: Close, But Still Historic
A Historic Attempt in Paris
Faith Kipyegon falls short in sub-four-minute mile bid. The three-time Olympic 1500m champion, came heartbreakingly close to breaking the four-minute barrier for the mile—a feat never before achieved by a woman. Racing under ideal conditions at the Stade Charlety in Paris during the Nike-sponsored ‘Breaking4’ event, she clocked an astonishing 4:06.42.
Though this time was 1.22 seconds faster than her own official world record of 4:07.64, it will not be recognized by World Athletics due to race conditions involving male and female pacemakers and the use of cutting-edge gear.
Why the Time Won’t Count Officially
Despite breaking barriers, Kipyegon’s time will remain unofficial. The run was aided by 13 pacemakers, Wavelight pacing technology, and Nike’s advanced aerodynamic race kit and shoes. For a time to be recognized as a world record, it must be done under standardized, unaided conditions—rules this event did not meet.
Still, the sheer performance has stirred awe globally, showing that the once-unimaginable sub-four-minute mile is not out of reach for women.
Engineering the Run of a Lifetime
Kipyegon wore a black aerodynamic skinsuit embedded with ‘aeronodes’—tiny, 3D-printed bumps meant to reduce drag. She was also fitted with arm sleeves, leg sleeves, a wind-resistant headband, and custom Nike spikes weighing only 85 grams. The shoes featured a carbon plate and air pods for better propulsion.
To beat the barrier, she needed to run each lap in under 60 seconds—equating to an average speed of 24 kilometers (15 miles) per hour.
Pushed by a Team of Pacemakers
Among Kipyegon’s pacemakers were top athletes like Britain’s Jemma Reekie and Olympic medallist Georgia Hunter Bell. The Wavelight LED technology on the inside track marked her target pace. By the third lap, she was clocked at 3:01.84—on track for glory.
However, fatigue set in during the final 400 meters, slowing her momentum. Still, she crossed the finish line with the fastest mile ever run by a woman, before collapsing with exhaustion and emotion.
A Legacy of Belief and Grit
Though she didn’t break the mythical barrier, Kipyegon inspired millions. “I have proven that it is possible,” she said. “If it’s not me, it will be somebody else. I will not lose hope.”
She offered words of encouragement to her daughter and girls worldwide: “We are not limited. We limit ourselves with our thoughts. Keep pushing.”
Her remarks cemented her not just as a trailblazer in athletics but as a beacon of empowerment.
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Context: Chasing Roger Bannister’s Legacy
More than 70 years ago, in 1954, Britain’s Sir Roger Bannister broke the men’s four-minute mile—a record once deemed as unreachable as Everest’s summit. That same year, Diane Leather became the first woman to run a sub-five-minute mile.
Progress since then has been slow, but Kipyegon’s strides have significantly narrowed the gap. She shattered Sifan Hassan’s 2019 record of 4:12.33 by five seconds, setting her own mark of 4:07.64 in Monaco in 2023.
From Barefoot in Kenya to World Glory
Faith’s journey began on dirt paths in her rural Kenyan village, where she ran barefoot to school and back. She won her first global title barefoot at the 2011 World Junior Cross Country Championships.
Her rise from humble beginnings to elite athletics is a powerful reminder of what determination can achieve, even in the face of adversity.
The Verdict: A New Standard Set
While the number on the clock did not begin with a “3,” Faith Kipyegon has forever changed what the world believes is possible in women’s middle-distance running. Just as Bannister once changed the landscape of athletics, Kipyegon may well have sparked the next great chase.
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