Kipyegon says a woman will run a sub-four minute mile
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Kipyegon remains hopeful and driven, saying the four-minute mile will one day be broken—if not by her, then by the next generation.
Faith Kipyegon: I Still Believe a Woman Will Break the Four-Minute Mile
“The dream still lives on” – Kipyegon says after coming short in her sub-4 attempt
Kenya’s track queen Faith Kipyegon remains undeterred in her quest to see a woman break the elusive four-minute mile barrier a dream she says will be realized “in this generation or the next.” Despite narrowly missing the mark in a specially arranged race in Paris in June, where she clocked 4 minutes 6.42 seconds, the three-time Olympic gold medallist says the pursuit of the historic milestone continues to fuel her passion and drive.
A Personal Mission with Global Impact
“My goal was to be the first woman to run under four minutes in the mile. I would say I didn’t do what I wanted to do, but it sent a message that it is possible one day,” Kipyegon shared during a roundtable interview ahead of the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. Although her dream remains unfulfilled, she expressed confidence that someone—if not herself—will eventually achieve it. “If it does not come my way, it will be someone one day,” the 31-year-old stated with optimism.
Fuelled by Purpose and Passion
The decorated athlete says the historic goal is what gets her out of bed every morning. “I believe there will be a woman running under four minutes in the next generation or in our generation. And that’s why I keep going, keep training,” she affirmed. Despite her decorated career, which includes Olympic and World Championship gold medals, Kipyegon insists there is still more she wants to prove—not just for herself, but for women in sports around the world. “I still have a drive, I still want to show that women are capable of doing what we have to do in this world. That we’ve got this and we need to do it,” she added.
Resilience After Setback
Though her sub-four mile attempt didn’t succeed, Kipyegon didn’t let disappointment linger. Just days later, she made a thunderous comeback, setting a world record in the 1500m with a stunning 3:48.68 performance at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League in Eugene. Her swift rebound highlights not only her elite athletic ability but also her mental toughness and commitment to excellence.
Support for New Gender Testing Policy
The World Championships in Tokyo will mark the first time World Athletics implements a new gender testing policy. Kipyegon openly welcomed the development. “It is all about women and I am OK about it,” she said, expressing a positive outlook on the regulation. “This is a new thing, and we’re all going to face it. I am looking forward to it.”
Looking Toward a New Chapter
While Kipyegon’s dominance on the track continues, she hinted at an upcoming shift in her career. When asked about a potential move to marathon running, she didn’t shy away from the possibility. “It will be soon,” she said. “I am not getting young anymore. I will announce soon, but not now.” Her words signal that while one chapter may be closing, another promising one could be beginning for the Kenyan legend.
A Woman of Vision and Resilience
Faith Kipyegon’s journey goes beyond medals and records. She is writing a story about persistence, belief, and breaking barriers for women in sports. Whether or not she becomes the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile, her efforts continue to inspire a generation of young female athletes around the world.
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