Faith Kipyegon will try to become the first woman to run a mile under four minutes Thursday. The triple Olympic champion from Kenya must cut nearly eight seconds off her current world record. Her existing mark stands at 4 minutes and 7.64 seconds for the distance. The 31-year-old runner faces a huge challenge that no woman has ever attempted. Roger Bannister first broke the four-minute barrier for men back in 1954.
Nike has organized this special event called Breaking 4 at a track facility in Paris. Kipyegon will wear a custom racing suit and new Victory Elite FK shoes during her attempt. Male runners will pace her around the Stade Charlety track to help maintain speed. The project follows Nike's earlier Breaking 2 marathon effort with Eliud Kipchoge six years ago. Advanced technology and support will give Kipyegon advantages that Bannister never had.
Some running experts believe the task remains impossible despite all the help. Robert Johnson from LetsRun.com says she will not come close to breaking four minutes. He points to her recent 1000-meter race time as evidence the goal exceeds her current fitness level. Norwegian distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen supports the attempt but calls it completely crazy. The three-time Olympic 1500-meter gold medalist needs to run almost two seconds faster per lap.
Nike has organized this special event called Breaking 4 at a track facility in Paris. Kipyegon will wear a custom racing suit and new Victory Elite FK shoes during her attempt. Male runners will pace her around the Stade Charlety track to help maintain speed. The project follows Nike's earlier Breaking 2 marathon effort with Eliud Kipchoge six years ago. Advanced technology and support will give Kipyegon advantages that Bannister never had.
Some running experts believe the task remains impossible despite all the help. Robert Johnson from LetsRun.com says she will not come close to breaking four minutes. He points to her recent 1000-meter race time as evidence the goal exceeds her current fitness level. Norwegian distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen supports the attempt but calls it completely crazy. The three-time Olympic 1500-meter gold medalist needs to run almost two seconds faster per lap.
