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Faith Kipyegon has still not lost hope of achieving what is considered humanly impossible after failing in her attempt to run a mile under four minutes.
Faith Kipyegon's attempt to become the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile fell just short in Paris on Thursday day but she is not giving up just yet.
The 31-year-old Kenyan clocked an impressive 4:06.42 at Stade Charlety, a time 1.22 seconds faster than her own world record, but ultimately couldn't break the barrier.
The time won't be recognided as an official record due to the use of pacemakers and advanced performance-enhancing kit and shoes at the Nike-sponsored "Breaking4" event.
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Kipyegon's official world record of 4:07.64, set in July 2023, remains almost five seconds faster than any other woman in history.
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07:53 - 27.06.2025
Faith Kipyegon Misses Ksh13M Reward from Athlos Boss But Wins Hearts For Daring To Dream
Faith Kipyegon fell short of the four-minute mile during her Breaking4 attempt on Thursday, missing the Ksh13 million promised to her by Athlos founder, but she won plenty of plaudits.
It was that Monaco performance that fueled Kipyegon's belief that a sub-four-minute mile, once considered physiologically impossible for women, was within her grasp. However, the challenge remained significant, requiring her to shave two seconds off each lap.
Kipyegon Used Special Gear for Breaking4
Equipped with an aerodynamic skinsuit and specially designed spikes, Kipyegon aimed for sub-60-second laps, a speed of approximately 15 miles per hour.
Thirteen pacemakers, including British Olympic bronze medalists Georgia Hunter Bell and Jemma Reekie, assisted her as she followed the Wavelight pacing system.
Kipyegon reached the third lap in 3:01.84, but her hopes faded in the final 400 metres. Despite falling short of her goal, she still finished with the fastest time ever recorded by a woman, collapsing to the ground after crossing the finish line held by her friend and training partner, Eliud Kipchoge, the first man to run a marathon in under two hours.
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21:30 - 26.06.2025
Brave Faith Kipyegon Falls Agonizingly Short of Sub-4 Minute Mile in Stirring Attempt
Faith Kipyegon was targeting to become the first woman to complete a mile race in under four minutes, but endured a setback in Paris.
"I have proven that it is possible, it is only a matter of time," Kipyegon said as quoted by the BBC. "If it is not me, it will be somebody else. I will not lose hope, I will still go for it. I hope I will get it one day."
Kipyegon Sought to Emulate Roger Bannister
Addressing her daughter and other young girls, she added, "I will tell them we are not limited. We can limit ourselves with thoughts, but it is possible to try everything and prove to the world that we are strong. Keep pushing."
Over 70 years have passed since Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile barrier for men, a feat once considered as challenging as summiting Mount Everest.
In the same month as Bannister's achievement, Diane Leather became the first woman to run a sub-five-minute mile. Kipyegon's recent performances have brought the sub-four-minute mile for women into the realm of possibility.
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17:35 - 25.06.2025
Faith Kipyegon: 3 Times Kenyan Legend Made History in Paris - Will Breaking4 Be Next?
Faith Kipyegon returns to Paris to attempt to be the first woman to run a mile under four minutes and recent outings in the French capital suggest she chose the right place.
From running barefoot to school in her Kenyan village to winning three consecutive Olympic 1500m titles, Kipyegon's journey has been remarkable.
Her performance in Paris, aided by advanced technology like aeronodes on her skinsuit and specialised running shoes, further solidifies her place as a pioneer in women's running.
While the clock didn't start with a "3" this time, Kipyegon has made the once impossible seem probable.
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