PARIS – In a groundbreaking athletic feat, Faith Kipyegon ran the fastest mile ever by a woman, clocking in at 4:06.42. Despite her remarkable achievement on Thursday, she fell short of the elusive sub-four-minute goal by 6.42 seconds.
Breaking: Kipyegon Sets New Women’s Mile Record
The highly anticipated race, held at the Stade Charlety in Paris, featured Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, as she attempted to break the four-minute barrier. Her performance, though not officially recognized as a world record due to the specialized assistance she received, surpassed her previous world record of 4:07.64 set earlier in 2023.
Immediate Impact
Kipyegon’s attempt was supported by a complex system of pacemakers, including male runners, organized by Nike and her sponsor. The event, witnessed by a select audience, showcased the exceptional speed and endurance of the 31-year-old Kenyan, widely regarded as the greatest middle-distance runner of all time.
Key Details Emerge
Entering the race, Kipyegon was the only woman to have run a mile in less than 4:10. Her strategy involved running with a team of 13 pacers, employing a meticulously planned choreography to minimize wind resistance. Nike provided her with a specially designed speed suit and sports bra, along with a new set of spikes to enhance her performance.
Kipyegon completed the halfway point in 2:01.7, and with one lap to go, she had run 3:01.84.
Expert Analysis
Patrick Sang, Kipyegon’s coach, noted her nervousness on the morning of the race. Despite the pressure, Kipyegon’s attempt was not deemed impossible. Earlier this year, researchers suggested that with optimal pacing and drafting, a sub-four-minute mile was within reach.
Shalaya Kipp, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Mayo Clinic, compared Kipyegon’s run to Eliud Kipchoge’s initial sub-two-hour marathon attempt. “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 stated, emphasizing the significance of the achievement.
By the Numbers
- Fastest mile by a woman: 4:06.42
- Previous world record: 4:07.64
- Number of pacers: 13
- Halfway split: 2:01.7
Background Context
The race was part of a larger effort by Nike to push the boundaries of human athletic performance. Similar to their previous initiatives, such as Kipchoge’s marathon attempts, this event aimed to explore the limits of women’s running capabilities.
Although Nike did not collaborate with the researchers who proposed the sub-four-minute strategy, their approach involved creating a “pocket” of reduced drag around Kipyegon. American Olympic bronze medalist Grant Fisher was among the pacers who contributed to this effort.
What Comes Next
Kipyegon’s performance, while not achieving the sub-four-minute milestone, represents a significant step forward in understanding the possibilities of women’s middle-distance running. The event has sparked discussions on future attempts and the potential for breaking long-standing barriers in athletics.
The timing of this achievement is particularly significant as it aligns with ongoing advancements in sports science and technology. As the world of athletics continues to evolve, Kipyegon’s record-setting run serves as an inspiration for future generations of runners.
“That’s how Eliud Kipchoge’s first sub-two [marathon] attempt was. It wasn’t perfect, but it lowered the standard,” said Kipp.
As the dust settles on this historic race, the focus now shifts to what lies ahead for Kipyegon and the sport of middle-distance running. Her extraordinary performance in Paris has undoubtedly set the stage for future breakthroughs.
