Kenyan track legend and three-time Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon has set her sights on becoming the first woman in history to run a mile in under four minutes.
The bold attempt is scheduled for June 26 at Stade Charléty in Paris, as part of Nike’s “Breaking 4” initiative — a project reminiscent of Eliud Kipchoge’s famous sub-two-hour marathon feat.
Kipyegon, 31, already holds the world record in the women’s mile at 4:07.64, achieved in Monaco in 2023. To dip under the elusive four-minute barrier, she would need to shave off nearly eight seconds — a monumental challenge in middle-distance athletics.
“I’m a three-time Olympic champion. I’ve achieved world titles. I thought: Why not dream outside the box?” Kipyegon said in a statement released Wednesday.
Nike’s team has chosen Stade Charléty due to its optimal rubber track and the site’s history of Kipyegon’s personal bests. However, like Kipchoge’s 1:59 marathon, her attempt won’t meet official criteria for a world record due to the use of pacers and ideal conditions.
“Faith is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible — not just for herself but for women and girls everywhere,” said Amy Jones Vaterlaus of the Nike Sport Research Lab.
This milestone attempt places Kipyegon in a league of dreamers daring to defy decades of incremental progress. Regardless of official recognition, her challenge underscores a legacy rooted in ambition, resilience, and global inspiration.
