Three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon’s goal of becoming the first woman to run the mile under four minutes fell short on Thursday in Paris — but pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved.
Kipyegon was the centerpiece of the showcase at Stade Charléty in Paris, Breaking4, and ran an impressive 4:06.42 which lowered her personal best in the mile. She already held the previous world record of 4:07.64 but her latest mark on Thursday is considered unofficial. Kipyegon took on the challenge with the with the help of notable pace group that included Grant Fisher, Cooper Teare, Georgia Hunter Bell and Gemma Reekie.
She also wore a custom outfit from Nike, spikes tailored for the event and knew that even if she broke four minutes the time would be more about the symbolism of the feat rather than a rush to the record books.
After being greeted warmly by the crowd inside of the stadium, Kipyegon quickly made her way to the start line with the pace group split behind and ahead of her — with Fisher appearing to coordinate both groups from the middle of the pack. Each of the pacers were in designated spots within the formation to give Kipyegon an optimal position in the first lane.
Guide lights on the track were a quick visual reminder of where Kipyegon needed to be in order have a shot at getting under four minutes.
The first split – 1:00.20 – electrified the crowd during the event, which was streamed lived, as Kipyegon settled into tackling the remaining 1200 meters as the pacers spread out.
At the half way point, Kipyegon breezed past in 2:00.75 and the prospect of significantly lowering her personal best seemed like a possibility. Bell and Reekie stepped off the track as the 11 male pacers continued into the third lap.
But at 3:01.84 after 1200 meters, Kipyegon’s pace slowed slightly heading into the final loop.
As the bell sounded for the decisive lap Kipyegon was in line with the green guide lights on the track, but faded as the group approached with 100 meters remaining and crossed the line with a 64.58 split.
Still, she finished to roar of cheers and within seconds a wave of buzz spread on social media to mark an exhibitions that combined performance with excitement that made headlines in the hours following the event.
Following the attempt Kipyegon, marveled at the collective effort to stage the run in Paris, even if the results would not be officially be ratified.
“It was tough, but I am so proud of what I’ve done, and I’m going to keep on trying, dreaming and pursing big goals,” Kipyegon said “I want to show the world and especially women, that you have to dare to try.”
She was intent on using her performance as a slice of inspiration for women and young girls like her daughter Alyn.
“I will tell them we are not limited,” Kipyegon said. “We can limit ourselves with thoughts, but it is possible to try everything and prove to the world that we are strong. Keep pushing.”
She added, “I gave everything today to try; it was not about running a tactical race. It was the first trial. I have proven that it’s possible and it’s only a matter of time. I think it will come to our way. If it’s not me, it will be somebody else. I know one day, one time a woman will run under 4:00. I will not lose hope. I will still go for it.”
