PARIS – In a thrilling attempt to shatter the four-minute mile barrier, Faith Kipyegon set a new women’s world record with a time of 4:06.42, but fell short of her historic goal.
Breaking: Kipyegon’s Record-Setting Run
On Thursday, Faith Kipyegon electrified the crowd at Stade Charlety in Paris by running the fastest mile in women’s history. Despite her remarkable performance, the three-time Olympic gold medalist was 6.42 seconds shy of becoming the first woman to break the four-minute mile.
The race, organized by Nike and featuring a complex system of pacemakers, was designed to help Kipyegon achieve this monumental feat. However, the use of male pacers and other forms of assistance meant her time will not be recognized as an official world record.
Immediate Impact
Kipyegon, who is widely regarded as the greatest middle-distance runner of all time, entered the race as the only woman to have run a mile in under 4:10. Her previous world record of 4:07.64, set earlier in 2023, was surpassed in this extraordinary attempt.
4:06.42 – New fastest mile time recorded by a woman.
Key Details Emerge
To aid her in this ambitious challenge, Kipyegon was equipped with a specialized speed suit and spikes, crafted by Nike to enhance her aerodynamic efficiency. A team of 13 pacers employed a meticulously planned choreography to minimize wind resistance and maximize her speed.
Her coach, Patrick Sang, noted that Kipyegon appeared “a bit nervous” on the morning of the race, as reported in a Nike-organized broadcast.
By the Numbers
2:01.7 – Kipyegon’s halfway split time.
3:01.84 – Time with one lap remaining.
Expert Analysis
According to Shalaya Kipp, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Mayo Clinic and former Olympic distance runner, Kipyegon’s run can be seen as a significant step forward in understanding women’s running capabilities. She compared this attempt to Nike’s previous “moonshot” race in 2017, which helped Eliud Kipchoge eventually 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
In February, researchers published a paper suggesting that a sub-four-minute mile for women was scientifically possible. They modeled a race where Kipyegon would maintain optimal drafting positions relative to pacers. However, Nike chose to implement their own strategy, focusing on creating a “pocket” of reduced drag around Kipyegon.
What Comes Next
As Kipyegon continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in women’s middle-distance running, her recent performance in Paris serves as both a milestone and a motivator for future attempts. The race has sparked discussions on the potential for further advancements in women’s athletics and the role of technology and strategy in breaking longstanding records.
While the sub-four-minute milestone remains elusive, Kipyegon’s record-setting run has undoubtedly set a new standard and will inspire athletes and researchers alike to explore new possibilities in the pursuit of athletic excellence.
