PARIS – In a historic yet bittersweet performance, Faith Kipyegon ran the fastest mile ever recorded by a woman, clocking in at 4:06.42. Despite this remarkable achievement, she fell short of her goal to break the elusive four-minute barrier by 6.42 seconds.
Breaking: Kipyegon’s Record-Breaking Attempt
Faith Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1,500 meters, took to the track at Stade Charlety in Paris on Thursday. Her attempt was part of a specialized race organized by Nike and her sponsor, aiming to make her the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes.
The race, however, was not recognized as an official world record due to the extraordinary assistance she received, including male pacers. Nonetheless, Kipyegon’s time surpassed her previous world record of 4:07.64, set earlier in 2023.
Immediate Impact
Kipyegon entered the race as the only woman to have run a mile in less than 4:10. Her attempt to bridge the 7.64-second gap to history involved a team of 13 pacers and a carefully choreographed strategy to minimize wind resistance.
4:06.42 – New fastest mile time by a woman, set by Faith Kipyegon
To enhance her aerodynamic efficiency, Nike developed a specialized speed suit and sports bra, along with a new set of spikes. Her coach, Patrick Sang, noted her nervous demeanor on the morning of the race.
Key Details Emerge
The scientific community had suggested that breaking the four-minute barrier was feasible. A study published in February modeled a race scenario where Kipyegon would maintain a precise distance from pacers, potentially achieving a time of 3:59.37—the exact time Roger Bannister achieved in 1954 to break the four-minute barrier.
Nike, however, did not consult directly with the researchers. Instead, they employed pacers to create a “pocket” of reduced drag, with five runners acting as a “shield” in front. Among them was Grant Fisher, an American two-time Olympic bronze medalist.
Industry Response
In the days leading up to the race, Shalaya Kipp, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Mayo Clinic and a former Olympic distance runner, emphasized the significance of the attempt. She compared it to Nike’s 2017 “moonshot” race, which eventually enabled Eliud Kipchoge to break the two-hour marathon barrier.
“Is it really going to be a failure if she runs, you know, 4:01, 4:02? It’s still going to be a big deal,” Kipp told NBC News.
Background Context
The announcement comes as the world of athletics continues to explore the limits of human performance. Kipyegon’s attempt represents a significant step forward in understanding the possibilities of women’s running.
Her effort mirrors previous groundbreaking attempts, such as Kipchoge’s, which initially fell short but ultimately paved the way for future success.
What Comes Next
Looking ahead, the attempt has reignited discussions about the potential for a woman to break the four-minute mile. The timing is particularly significant as it coincides with advancements in sports technology and training methodologies.
While Kipyegon did not achieve her ultimate goal, her performance has set a new standard and inspired further research and innovation in the field of athletics.
The world will be watching closely as Kipyegon and other athletes continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in middle-distance running.
