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Faith Kipyegon sets her sights on a historic barrier, aiming to redefine what's possible in women's middle-distance running.
Three-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon is setting her sights on one of the most ambitious goals in middle-distance running: becoming the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes.
The Kenyan middle-distance runner is set to attempt this feat in Paris on 26 June.
Though the time will not qualify for official record status due to rotating pacemakers and cutting-edge gear, the significance of her attempt reaches far beyond the stopwatch.
Pulse Sports looks at why Kipyegon just might be the one to make history.
1. Faith Kipyegon Unmatched Track Record Speaks for Itself
Faith Kipyegon is not just one of the best female milers in the world—she is arguably the greatest of all time.
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The 30-year-old runner's résumé boasts three Olympic gold medals in the 1500m, most recently at the Paris Games in 2024 which made her the first woman to ever win three consecutive titles at that distance.
In addition, she holds the official world record in the mile at 4:07.64, set in 2023, and owns the world record in the 1500m.
Kipyegon is known for her tactical awareness, blistering finishing kicks, and ability to remain calm under pressure.
Moreover, her versatility further strengthens her case. In 2023, she added a World Championship gold in the 5,000m to her collection in a range that only adds to the argument that she’s built for a sub-four mile attempt.
2. Motherhood Has Fueled Her Mental Toughness
Since giving birth to her daughter Alyn in 2018, Kipyegon has spoken openly about how motherhood transformed her mindset and made her more determined.
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She has won five major gold medals since becoming a mother, a feat that adds not just to her legend but to her inner strength.
According to Kipyegon, motherhood has deepened her motivation: "You have to engage yourself, you have to show your child the way."
Kipyegon's drive now comes not only from personal ambition but from the desire to be a role model, both for her daughter and for women around the world.
This psychological edge—rooted in purpose beyond the sport—gives her resilience and focus unmatched by most competitors.
Mentally, she is tougher, more grounded, and more inspired than ever. In elite sport, where success often hinges on the smallest of margins, that mental fortitude can be the difference between a great attempt and a groundbreaking achievement.
Kipyegon does not just want to break records—she wants to show the next generation what’s possible.
3. Science, Strategy, and Support Are on Her Side
Though her attempt will not count as an official world record, it is designed to maximize performance.
Like Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon, Kipyegon's effort will likely include rotating pacemakers and advanced gear from Nike, both of which will help her maintain the brutal pace required to go sub-four.
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In today’s era, cutting-edge innovation plays a significant role in elite athletics. Advances in shoe technology, pacing strategies, and biomechanics analysis have already pushed barriers once thought unbreakable.
Kipyegon is stepping into this environment at the perfect moment—she has both the human potential and technological support needed to break through the four-minute wall.
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