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Faith Kipyegon Nearly Breaks Four Minutes In The Mile

Faith Kipyegon Nearly Breaks Four Minutes In The Mile

Faith Kipyegon nearly made World History in her attempt to become the first woman to ever break four minutes in the mile.

Jun 27, 2025 by John Davern
Faith Kipyegon Nearly Breaks Four Minutes In The Mile

Faith Kipyegon just ran faster than her World Record time. While she came up short of her ultimate goal of running sub-four, Kipyegon made history in her unprecedented attempt.

Tonight, at the Stade Sébastien Charléty in Paris, Kipyegon ran 4:06.42.

The project, titled Breaking4 by Nike, was a controlled time-trial. Nike supported Kipyegon with numerous details in the attempt, including a customized race kit, custom spikes, pacing support and a number of other assets. But the controlled environment and modified factors do not undermine Kipyegon's effort.

Kipyegon made the most of her attempt, tucking in line behind her pacers from the outset.

She came through 400m in 60.20 and 800m at 2:00.75.

During her third lap, the pace slightly slowed and she split 3:01.84 through the first 1200m.

She left it all on the track, but she was unable to make up the ground over her final 409m.

"I'm so grateful to have proven to the world that everything is possible," said Kipyegon after her attempt. "I have proven that something special is coming."

Kipyegon is arguably the best woman middle-distance athlete of all time. She has three Olympic 1500m medals and also owns the official mile world record of 4:07.64. Tonight's attempt will not count as an official World Record for several reasons, including the use of proprietary shoe technology that has not been approved by World Athletics for competitive-use.

Roger Bannister became the first person in history to break four minutes when he, on May 6 of 1954, broke the then-impossible barrier.

But even with his achievement, not many thought it would be remotely possible for a woman to achieve the feat in the near future.

Until Faith Kipyegon arrived. 

No other woman has ever run faster than 4:12.33 over the Mile. Over the 1500m distance, Kipyegon owns seven of the top ten times in history.

And tonight, she took one step closer to the 4-minute barrier.

Who Were The Pacers?

Nike assembled some of the best athletes in their stable to attempt the feat.

Pacers included the likes of Indoor 5k World Record Holder Grant Fisher, Craig Engels, Niels Laros, Jemma Reekie, Georgia Hunter Bell and a number of other Nike Stars.

A Look At The Team:

  • Grant Fisher (USA)
  • Craig Engels (USA)
  • Niels Laros (NED)
  • Stewart McSweyn (AUS)
  • Jemma Reekie (GBR)
  • Georgia Hunter Bell (GBR)
  • Halima Nakaayi (UGA)
  • Cooper Teare (USA)
  • Elliot Giles (GBR)
  • Wyclife Kinyamal (KEN)
  • Stefan Nillessen (NED)
  • Cathal Doyle (IRL)
  • Boaz Kiprugut (KEN)
  • Bernard Soi (KEN)

Custom Gear To Help Kipyegon's Performance

Prior to the attempt, Nike revealed several details surrounding Kipyegon's custom gear for Breaking4.

In the effort, she wore a custom Fly Suit, a FlyWeb Bra, and custom Victory Elite spikes.

The Fly Suit is essentially a speed suit aimed at reducing drag and improving aerodynamic efficiency. It was coupled with a headband and arm sleeves to minimize any aerodynamic inefficiencies that the human hair and skin may produce.

The FlyWeb Bra is made of a 3D printed TPU mesh. TPU foam is commonly used in super shoes because of its lightweight nature. Nike used the filament to create a mesh material that is considered breathable and supposedly allowed for better movement

Nike thentook their Victory 2 spikes and made custom alterations and adjustments to allow for the attempt. They specifically fit Kipyegon's foot, but Nike took additional opportunities to tune the outsole and carbon plate. We don't have exact specifics regarding the shoe at this point in time.

How To Watch Breaking4?

Nike streamed the attempt live on their YouTube channel (below). Viewers also had the opportunity to watch in-person at the Stade Charlety for free.


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