Kipyegon Nears Historic Sub-4 Minute Mile; Clocks World best in ‘Breaking4‘

Paris – In a thrilling display of athletic prowess and technological innovation, Faith Kipyegon, the reigning world record holder in the women’s mile, came remarkably close to shattering the four-minute barrier. At a specially organized “Breaking4” event in paris on June 26,Kipyegon clocked a time of 4:06.42. The time is just shy of the elusive sub-4-minute mark. Nike sponsored the event, engineered to push the boundaries of human capability.

While the time stands as a world best, it will not be officially recognized as a world record. It is indeed due to specific conditions and regulations governing the event. The attempt was meticulously planned, drawing parallels to Eliud Kipchoge’s Breaking2 marathon project, also backed by nike.

Nike’s Calculated Quest for History

Nike’s approach involved a holistic optimization of Kipyegon’s habitat. It included everything from her specialized shoes and racing kit to her training regimen, pacing strategy, race location, and timing. all these elements were designed to provide the most favorable circumstances for Kipyegon to challenge history.

The entire Breaking4 journey was captured in a documentary produced by Box to Box, the same company behind popular series like Netflix’s SPRINT and Drive to Survive.

Star-Studded Broadcast and Race Dynamics

The event streamed live across various platforms, including Nike’s YouTube channel, Twitch stream, and Amazon Prime. The broadcast featured commentary from track and field luminaries such as Carl Lewis and Keely hodgkinson.

Kipyegon’s splits revealed a promising trajectory. She completed her first lap in 1:00.02, reached 800 meters in 2:00.75, and passed the 1200-meter mark in 3:00.22. This indicated she was on pace for the sub-4-minute mile.

Though Kipyegon finished at 4:06.42, the attempt underscores the feasibility of breaking the barrier, mirroring Kipchoge’s initial Breaking2 endeavor before his eventual sub-two-hour marathon. In October 2019, Kipchoge ran a 1:59:40 marathon in Vienna, Austria. This was a watershed moment, even though not an official record due to similar controlled conditions.

Why The Time Won’t Count: breaking Down the Rules

Several factors prevent Kipyegon’s time from being ratified as a world record.These include the use of male pacers and specialized shoes not yet approved by World Athletics.

The Pacing Dilemma

World Athletics stipulates that pacers must be of the same gender as the competitor. Given Kipyegon’s unparalleled speed among women, male pacers were chosen for their superior ability to maintain the necessary pace. This decision, while strategic, violates official record regulations.

Notable pacers included Grant Fisher, along with female athletes Georgia Hunter Bell and Jemma Reekie. The pacers also executed specific running formations to minimize wind resistance for Kipyegon.

Advanced Shoe Technology

kipyegon wore a prototype of the Nike Victory Elite FK, featuring a significantly taller air unit. This shoe represents cutting-edge innovation tailored to her running style. Nike refined every aspect of the shoe to maximize performance. It weighed approximately three ounces, compared to the standard 4.8-ounce weight of typical running spikes.

Non-Sanctioned Event

The “Breaking4” event was not an officially sanctioned race or track meet by world Athletics. This further disqualifies the time from record consideration.

Consequently, Kipyegon’s remarkable 4:06.42 will be recognized as a world best rather than a world record.

Looking Ahead

Despite not achieving the sub-4-minute mile this time, Kipyegon remains optimistic. She has publicly stated her intention to continue pursuing the historic barrier.

“I’ve Proven That It’s Possible,” said Kipyegon. “It’s only a matter of time. It will come our way. If not me, it’ll be someone else.”

Kipchoge lauded Kipyegon’s ambition on social media, celebrating her willingness to push boundaries.

Kipyegon is scheduled to compete at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on July 5^th. She will race in the 1500-meter event alongside Bell and jessica Hull. The race is scheduled for 1:58 p.m. PST and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

what are your thoughts on Kipyegon’s attempt? Do you think she will eventually break the four-minute barrier? Share your comments below!