Faith Kipyegon Aims to Break Four-Minute Mile Barrier in June

PARIS, France — Faith Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, announced on Wednesday her ambitious plan to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes. Kipyegon will make this historic attempt on June 26 at Stade Charléty in Paris as part of Nike‘s project, “Breaking 4.”

“I’m a three-time Olympic champion. I’ve achieved world championship titles. I thought: What else? Why not dream outside the box?” Kipyegon said in a statement.

The 31-year-old set the current women’s mile world record of 4:07.64 during the Monaco Diamond League race in July 2023, breaking the previous record by nearly five seconds. Nike has chosen Stade Charléty for her attempt, believing its rubber track is optimal for speed.

“In talking with Faith, we saw instantly her courage in taking on this challenge. It’s a big goal to shave 8 seconds off the mile, but she feels ready,” said Seema Simmons, Nike’s vice president of global women’s running, to ESPN.

Kipyegon’s aim of running a sub-four-minute mile is a significant challenge, as it has taken female athletes over three decades to reduce the mile record by a similar margin. Her courageous pursuit of this milestone is grounded in her legacy of inspiring women and girls to push their boundaries.

The project echoes earlier feats, such as Eliud Kipchoge‘s attempts to break the two-hour marathon barrier. Kipyegon’s attempt will also not meet the official ratification standards set by governing bodies, as it will involve a closed course with a team of pacers.

“Faith’s goal is not just about her breaking a four-minute mile. It is also an opportunity to inspire other young women to pursue their dreams,” said Amy Jones Vaterlaus, vice president at the Nike Sport Research Lab.

Kipyegon hopes that her achievement will motivate future generations of female athletes. She reflects on her journey from running barefoot as a child to becoming a world-class athlete.

In a recent training session at Kaptagat, Kenya, Kipyegon focused on building both her physical and mental resilience. “Everything is possible,” she said, underscoring her belief in the potential for success as she prepares for this monumental challenge.