Brave Faith Kipyegon Falls Agonizingly Short of Sub-4 Minute Mile in Stirring Attempt

In a jaw-dropping performance at the Stade Charlety in Paris on June 26, Faith Kipyegon came agonizingly close to making history, running an astonishing 4:06.42, six shy of becoming the first woman ever to complete a mile in under four minutes.

Competing in Nike’s “Breaking4” exhibition—a meticulously engineered time trial mirroring the legendary sub-two-hour marathon attempt—Kipyegon ran bravely at the front of the pack in near-perfect conditions, benefiting from specialized pacing, aerodynamic skinsuits, feather-light spikes, and a shield of male and female pacemakers

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The event was orchestrated as a scientific and technological push, mirroring earlier initiatives like Eliud Kipchoge’s sub‑two-hour marathon, featuring drafting formations, lightweight Fly suits, and precision pacing algorithms. 

Yet under World Athletics rules, the performance will not be ratified as an official record.

Reflecting on her near‑miss, Kipyegon remained resilient. “It was close, so close,” she admitted. “I felt strong, but I wasn’t able to hold on in the final stretch. I’ll come again.” Her words echoed through the crowd, which witnessed both awe and inspiration 

Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad, who watched the attempt, hailed it as groundbreaking. “I’m in awe”, she said, noting that this effort “could redefine the parameters for women in sports” 

While the sub‑4 remains elusive, Kipyegon’s attempt resonates as a pivotal moment in women’s athletics—demonstrating how modern sports science and elite performance can converge to push boundaries. 

Nike, facing softening market share in its women’s division, banked on the spectacle to re‑energize its brand and connection with women athletes 

Although not eligible for an official world record under current regulations, which prohibit pacemakers and high-tech assistance, Kipyegon's effort sparked broader discussions about physiological limits and future possibilities 

Scientific projections suggest that sub‑4 is theoretically attainable, but shaving off approximately eight seconds from her official record remains a formidable challenge