Kipyegon stepped onto the Stade Charléty in Paris, dreaming of becoming the first woman to run the mile in under four minutes in Nike’s Breaking4 project. Backed by a team of world-class pacemakers, the three-time Olympic champion was destined for greatness when the gun went off. How did Faith Kipyegon fare in Breaking4? However, her hopes to achieve the impossible did not succeed. She clocked 4:06.42, which was an unofficial world record.
It was an incredible effort from the Kenyan star, who said she will attempt to break it again, and if she doesn’t, someone else will. “Absolutely there will be a woman running a mile in under four minutes,” she said. “And I think it will take less than 10 years. And if it doesn’t come my way, it will be someone else doing it.” “Birds sometimes fall but they fly again,” she added. “I believe I will still lower the world record of 4.07. I want to get it very close to the four minutes mark. And I believe I can still run under 4.05 in a race with female pacemakers.” Kipyegon will return to Diamond League action in Oregon next week. Faith Kipyegon will be looking to make more history later this year.
What is Eliud Kipchoge’s message to Faith Kipyegon? Kipchoge was in Paris to support his training partner. The 40-year-old marathon legend waited at the finish line, watching closely as she crossed. Out of breath but proud, she was met by Kipchoge, who offered comforting words after her impressive effort. A day after Breaking4, Kipchoge shared a lovely message on social media. “Limits exist only in our minds. Yesterday, Faith dared to go beyond them. I am proud to witness her journey and seeing her inspire so many around the world,” Kipchoge wrote. “I for one can say moonshots don’t always succeed on a first try, but the first try is the most crucial one for us all. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when. 💜.” Kipchoge attempted to break the 2-hour marathon barrier in 2017 in a project called Breaking2 but fell short. He attempted it again in 2019 and succeeded. What next for Faith Kipyegon? The 31-year-old will compete in the women’s 1500m at the Diamond League in the USA next week, her first 1500m of the year.
She will start her preparations for the 2025 World Athletics Championships set for September in Tokyo. The four-time world champion is aiming for a historic fourth title in the 1500m, which will further cement her legacy.
By Edwin Kiplagat
