Kipyegon misses sub-4-minute mile attempt

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    PARIS — In an audacious attempt to become the first woman to break the four-minute barrier in the mile race, Faith Kipyegon, a formidable three-time Olympic champion, set a remarkable pace at Stade Charléty in Paris on Thursday. Although she did not achieve the sub-four-minute feat, Kipyegon clocked 4 minutes, 06.42 seconds, recording the fastest mile ever completed by a woman.

    This extraordinary performance surpassed her own world record of 4:07.64; however, due to the unofficial nature of the event, it will not be recognized by the international athletic federation. The event, labeled “Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile,” was sponsored by Nike and saw Kipyegon bolstered by pacing teammates and cutting-edge technology, including aerodynamic gear and advanced running spikes.

    “I poured everything into this attempt; it wasn’t about strategy today,” Kipyegon expressed after the race. “This was our first trial. We’ve demonstrated that it’s achievable, it’s just a matter of time. If not me, then someone else will do it. I believe that eventually, a woman will surpass this mark. I remain hopeful and will continue pursuing this goal.”

    At 31, Kipyegon appeared drained yet resolute as she finished, collapsing onto the track surrounded by photographers. The endeavor unfolded amidst warm summer conditions, with temperatures at 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) and minimal wind, witnessed by a few thousand spectators. A sophisticated team of 13 pace setters—composed of 11 men and two women—provided support, strategically positioned to minimize air resistance.

    Throughout this grueling challenge, Kipyegon maintained a disciplined lane position though visibly struggled midway. Her mission to trim at least 7.65 seconds from her world record required each lap to be approximately two seconds swifter.

    “In future attempts, I think we will keep pace with the light,” Kipyegon lightheartedly remarked, referring to the Wavelight technology, a pace-indicating system consisting of LED lights along the track that assist athletes by displaying if they are ahead or behind pace.

    In an empowering message aimed at her daughter and young girls globally, Kipyegon asserted, “There are no ceilings to our potential. Our own thoughts can limit us, but we should attempt everything and prove our strength to the world. Continue striving forward.”

    The event was graced by distinguished attendees, including Carl Lewis and Eliud Kipchoge, Kipyegon’s compatriot and long-time training companion from Kenya.

    Over 71 years have passed since Roger Bannister of Britain first conquered the four-minute mile barrier, achieving a time of 3:59.4. Kipyegon’s current women’s mile record was set nearly two years ago during the Diamond League meet in Monaco. Her prowess also shone through last year in Paris, where she claimed her third consecutive 1,500-meter Olympic crown and pushed her own 1,500-meter record to new heights on the very track she graced once more.