Faith Kipyegon’s Breaking4: Kenyan superstar misses out on breaking 4-minute mile barrier but says ‘it’s a matter of time’

Kenya’s middle-distance legend Faith Kipyegon came within seconds of rewriting history, clocking the fastest women’s mile ever—but the elusive sub-4-minute barrier remains just out of reach. Yet, she says with quiet confidence, “It’s a matter of time.”

Paris, June 26, 2025 – On a warm night under the Parisian sky, Kenyan superstar Faith Kipyegon delivered a powerful performance that had the world on the edge of its seat. At Nike’s Breaking4 event held at Stade Sébastien Charléty, Kipyegon ran a blistering 4:06.42 mile—the fastest ever recorded by a woman. Though she missed the groundbreaking goal of running under 4 minutes, her run set a new benchmark for women’s athletics and reinvigorated the dream of smashing one of the last great barriers in track and field.

A Mission Born of Purpose and Progress

Faith Kipyegon is no stranger to records. A double Olympic gold medalist and the reigning world champion in the 1500 meters, she already holds the official women’s mile world record of 4:07.64, set in 2023. But the Breaking4 project wasn’t about records alone—it was about rewriting possibilities.

The event was designed in the same spirit as Eliud Kipchoge’s historic Breaking2 marathon run, which shattered the psychological ceiling of the 2-hour marathon in 2019. For women’s athletics, the mile has long stood as a symbolic wall—one that only male athletes had managed to breach. Kipyegon’s participation marked the first serious attempt by a woman to crack that barrier under highly controlled conditions.

The Race Setup: Science, Strategy, and Speed

Nike’s Breaking4 event pushed the boundaries of athletic innovation. The race was structured with precision:

• Pacing Strategy: 13 pacemakers, including 11 men and 2 women, formed a rotating shield around Kipyegon to reduce wind resistance.
• Custom Gear: She wore an ultra-light pair of spikes paired with an aerodynamic skinsuit tailored for efficiency and airflow.
• Environment: The stadium’s conditions were optimized for ideal weather, track surface, and crowd support, echoing the conditions that helped Kipchoge make history.

With each lap, Kipyegon appeared calm and composed, her stride rhythmic, her breathing controlled. The crowd roared as she crossed the 800-meter mark at a searing pace—around 2:00.7. At the 1200-meter bell, she was on target, clocking just over 3:01.8. The final lap, however, proved tough. Despite giving it her all, fatigue took hold, and the dream slipped away by just over six seconds.

‘It’s a Matter of Time’: Kipyegon’s Calm After the Storm

In her post-race comments, Faith Kipyegon remained upbeat and positive. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “We have shown it can be done. The gap is closing. It’s only a matter of time.”

Her humility stood in stark contrast to the monumental nature of her performance. While her time won’t be ratified as an official world record due to the presence of male pacemakers and unapproved gear, it remains a moment of extraordinary achievement. It’s also a direct message to the world: the limits of women’s athletic performance are still being rewritten.

The Significance of the Sub-4 Mile for Women

For decades, the sub-4-minute mile has been a male-dominated benchmark. Roger Bannister famously broke it in 1954, and since then, over 1,500 men have followed. For women, however, the fastest official time has hovered above 4:10 until very recently.

Faith Kipyegon’s feat pushes the frontier closer than ever before. More importantly, it challenges long-held assumptions about female endurance and speed. Just as Kipchoge’s 1:59 marathon sparked debate, analysis, and awe, Kipyegon’s run will surely ignite global interest in what the next generation of female athletes can accomplish.

What Comes Next?

The Breaking4 project is not a one-time event. According to insiders, Nike and Kipyegon’s coaching team are already reviewing data from the race. Adjustments to pacing, training regimens, and even apparel innovations are expected before her next attempt.

Kipyegon herself hinted at future plans: “If it’s not me, it will be someone else. We are strong. We are not limited.” These words reflect not just personal ambition but a wider call to action across women’s sport.

Meanwhile, fans and athletes alike will keep a close eye on her performances in the upcoming World Championships and Olympic cycle. Will the sub-4-minute mile finally fall in competition, or will another Breaking4-style attempt be required?

A Legacy Already Secured

Whether or not she ever breaks the 4-minute barrier, Faith Kipyegon’s place in history is already secure. She is a symbol of progress, courage, and the ever-evolving human spirit. Her Breaking4 run might not have made headlines for shattering a record—but it did something arguably more important: it redefined what we believe is possible.

Her run in Paris was not a failure—it was a declaration. A reminder that limits are meant to be tested, and sometimes, missing the mark brings the next generation even closer.