PARIS – Faith Kipyegon’s historic attempt to break the four-minute mile barrier for women came up short by 6.42 seconds, despite an impressive performance on Thursday. Her run at the Stade Charléty marked the fastest mile ever recorded by a woman, clocking in at 4:06.42, surpassing her own world record of 4:07.64 set earlier this year.
Immediate Impact
The event, organized by Nike and attended by a limited crowd, showcased Kipyegon’s extraordinary talent and the lengths to which modern athletic performance can be pushed. However, the time will not be recognized as an official world record due to the use of male pacers and other forms of assistance.
Key Details Emerge
Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, was the sole woman to have run a mile under 4:10 prior to this race. To attempt the sub-four-minute milestone, she utilized a team of 13 pacers, a specialized speed suit, and custom spikes designed by Nike.
4:06.42 – Fastest mile ever run by a woman
6.42 seconds – Time short of breaking the four-minute barrier
Industry Response
Her coach, Patrick Sang, noted Kipyegon’s nervousness on the morning of the race, which was broadcasted by Nike. Despite the unsuccessful attempt, the scientific community remains optimistic about the possibility of a sub-four-minute mile for women.
Expert Analysis
Shalaya Kipp, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Mayo Clinic, likened Kipyegon’s effort to Nike’s previous endeavor in 2017, where Eliud Kipchoge attempted to break the two-hour marathon barrier. Even though Kipchoge did not succeed initially, he eventually achieved the feat, setting a precedent for future possibilities.
“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 race strategy was informed by a recent study modeling a scenario where Kipyegon could potentially run a 3:59.37 mile, mirroring Roger Bannister’s historic sub-four-minute mile in 1954. Despite not consulting the researchers, Nike implemented a unique pacing strategy to minimize wind resistance.
By the Numbers
- 2:01.7 – Kipyegon’s time at the halfway mark
- 3:01.84 – Time with one lap remaining
What Comes Next
The attempt, while falling short, is seen as a significant step forward in understanding the capabilities of female athletes in middle-distance running. The focus now shifts to future attempts and the potential for further advancements in sports science and training methodologies.
As the world watches, Kipyegon’s performance continues to inspire and challenge the limits of what is possible in women’s athletics, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
