Faith Kipyegon Reveals Mindset as She Outlines Strategy to Run Historic Mile

Faith Kipyegon will attempt history on June 26th in the mile race.

Faith Kipyegon Reveals Mindset as She Outlines Strategy to Run Historic Mile

Mark Kinyanjui 20:05 - 20.06.2025

Faith Kipyegon has delved into how she will approach her historic mile in Paris in less than a week's time as she attempts to run it in under four seconds.

Triple Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes at the Stade Charléty in Paris on June 26th.

Having achieved nearly everything in her career, including Olympic golds, world titles, and world records, Kipyegon's next challenge is not just about dominance, but also showcasing her strength.

When asked how she felt about the upcoming Breaking4 event, Kipyegon's response was simply, "Strong!"

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“It's about mental strength and believing in everything you do,” the 31-year-old explained to Olympics com. “It's about believing in the training, empowering the next generation, and remembering my journey from running barefoot as a child to where I am now. That’s what drives me.”

Kipyegon appears confident and cheerful, despite the daunting task ahead. Even if she achieves a sub-four-minute mile, it will not be officially recognized because the advanced spikes she will be wearing have not been approved by World Athletics. However, the achievement would still be historic.

To break the four-minute barrier, Kipyegon needs to shave over seven seconds off her own world record of 4:07.64, set in 2023. Success would place her in the history books alongside Roger Bannister, who broke the four-minute mile barrier for men 70 years ago.

Kipyegon, one of the most dominant athletes of her generation, boasts three consecutive Olympic 1500m titles, four world championship golds (three in the 1500m and one in the 5000m), two world cross-country titles, and world records in the 1500m and the mile.

How Eliud Kipchoge has inspired Faith Kipyegon

Faith Kipyegon Reveals Mindset as She Outlines Strategy to Run Historic Mile
Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon. Image source: Nike Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon. Image source: Nike

Inspired by her friend and training partner, Eliud Kipchoge, the first and only person to run a marathon in under two hours, Kipyegon has begun to “dream outside the box.”

“You can’t limit yourself,” she stated. “You have to dream and pursue that dream. I believe that what a man can do, a woman can do. Every training session fuels my dreams for the future.”

Kipyegon is preparing for her attempt at the high-altitude training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, under the guidance of coach Patrick Sang, who also coaches Kipchoge. Despite the challenge, Kipyegon has maintained her usual training regime.

“I haven't changed anything in terms of training,” she confirmed. “My coach has given me the same program I use for the Olympics or world championships. The difference for this race is the mindset, but the goals remain the same: to dream and to break four minutes.”

The six-time world medalist believes that Breaking4 will solidify her legacy as the most decorated female miler in history and inspire women worldwide.

“It will give hope to the next generation and show women that we can push our boundaries and believe in ourselves. Everything is possible.”

Kipyegon will have the support of her family, including her seven-year-old daughter Alyn, and her mentor Kipchoge, at the Stade Charléty. Win or lose, she plans to celebrate with her favorite post-race meal: a burger and fries.

A livestream of the event will be available globally from 19:15 CEST on Nike’s YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Douyin accounts, as well as Prime Video.