Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon missed making history as the first woman to complete a mile under four minutes. The 31-year-old athlete finished the distance at 4 minutes and 6.42 seconds during a special Nike event at Stade Charlety in Paris. Her performance beat her current world record time of 4:07.64 from July 2023. Officials will not recognize the new mark because she used male and female pacemakers and wore advanced technology equipment. The three-time Olympic 1500-meter champion ran faster than any woman has ever completed the mile distance.
Thirteen runners helped pace Kipyegon during her attempt at the historic barrier. She wore a special black suit with 3D-printed bumps designed to cut wind resistance. Her custom Nike spikes weighed just 85 grams and featured carbon fiber plates for better speed. The athlete reached the third lap at 3:01.84 but lost momentum during the final 400 meters. She collapsed after crossing the finish line where training partner Eliud Kipchoge held the tape.
Roger Bannister became the first man to break four minutes back in May 1954. Diane Leather ran the first sub-five-minute mile for women that same month. Kipyegon believes someone will eventually achieve the four-minute goal for women. She plans to continue pursuing the target despite falling short during this attempt. The runner grew up training barefoot as a child before becoming a global champion.
Thirteen runners helped pace Kipyegon during her attempt at the historic barrier. She wore a special black suit with 3D-printed bumps designed to cut wind resistance. Her custom Nike spikes weighed just 85 grams and featured carbon fiber plates for better speed. The athlete reached the third lap at 3:01.84 but lost momentum during the final 400 meters. She collapsed after crossing the finish line where training partner Eliud Kipchoge held the tape.
Roger Bannister became the first man to break four minutes back in May 1954. Diane Leather ran the first sub-five-minute mile for women that same month. Kipyegon believes someone will eventually achieve the four-minute goal for women. She plans to continue pursuing the target despite falling short during this attempt. The runner grew up training barefoot as a child before becoming a global champion.
