Faith Kipyegon’s Bold Statement after Sub-4 Minute Mile Dream in Paris

Triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon took center stage in Paris on Thursday night in a bold attempt to become the first woman in history to run a mile in under four minutes.

Although she narrowly missed the target, clocking 4:06.42 at Stade Sébastien Charléty, her courageous performance earned global admiration and a standing ovation from fans.

The event, dubbed #Breaking4, was an ambitious showcase backed by Nike and modeled after the INEOS 1:59 Challenge that saw Eliud Kipchoge run the first sub-two-hour marathon in 2019.

With an elite team of 12 pacemakers flanking her and the support of a full stadium, Kipyegon stepped up to redefine the limits of women’s middle-distance running.

“I dared to try. #Breaking4 was about showing the world that we have to push ourselves,” she said after the race.

“This one was for all the young girls and women out there—to show that you have to believe in yourself in everything you do.”

The reigning world and Olympic 1500m champion improved on her own world record of 4:07.64, set in Monaco in 2023, trimming almost two seconds off her best. But the dream of dipping under the mythical four-minute mark will have to wait a little longer.

“I know one day, one time, a woman will run under four minutes,” said Kipyegon. “It was very special. I did not expect to see so many people. Everything is possible.”

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Despite falling just over six seconds short of the milestone, the race marked a turning point in the campaign for gender equality and human performance in athletics. Kipyegon’s attempt wasn’t just about numbers—it was a powerful message of perseverance, belief, and breaking boundaries.

She expressed gratitude to her team, Nike, pacemakers, organizers, and fans around the world, writing:

“I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the support I’ve received… It’s not if, it’s when. Asanteni Sana.”

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games just weeks away, Kipyegon has once again proven why she remains one of the most inspiring and dominant figures in global athletics.

Faith Kipyegon’s Full Statement

“I dared to try #Breaking4 was about showing the world that we have to push ourselves. This one was for all the young girls and women out there to show that you have to believe in yourself in everything you do. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the support I’ve received. From my whole team, @nike, the pacemakers, the organisers, and fans from all around the world. It’s not if, it’s when. Asanteni Sana,”.