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Three-time Olympic gold medallist Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become first woman to break four-minute mile; Kenyan’s run in Paris on June 26 will not count as world record; Kipyegon has current best women’s mile time of 4:07.64; 31-year-old has won 1500m gold at last three Olympics
Last Updated: 23/04/25 11:29pm
Faith Kipyegon is setting her sights on a remarkable milestone as she prepares to become the first woman to complete a mile in under four minutes. This ambitious attempt is scheduled for June 26 in Paris.
As the reigning Olympic champion in the 1500m for the last three consecutive Games, Kipyegon has already made her mark in the world of athletics. In July 2023, she achieved a remarkable women’s mile record of 4:07.64 in Monaco, establishing herself as a formidable competitor in long-distance running.
To break the four-minute barrier, Kipyegon will need to improve her personal best by more than seven seconds. The event will take place on the track at Stade Charléty, where she has previously set personal records in both the 1500m and 5,000m, providing her with a competitive advantage.
However, it is important to note that her time will not be recognized as an official world record due to the anticipated use of pacemakers and advanced athletic gear.
Kipyegon expressed her aspirations, stating, “I’m a three-time Olympic champion. I’ve achieved world championship titles. I thought: What else? Why not dream outside the box?”
According to Amy Jones Vaterlaus, vice president at the Nike Sport Research Lab, Kipyegon’s endeavor symbolizes more than just personal achievement. “Faith’s goal is not just about her breaking a four-minute mile, and that’s what’s special,” she remarked. “It is grounded in her legacy around confidence and ambition for women and girls. She says she wants them to see they can dream their dream.”
Historically, Roger Bannister was the first athlete to complete a mile in under four minutes, accomplishing this feat in May 1954. The current men’s record for the mile remains at an incredible 3:43.13, set by Moroccan athlete Hicham El Guerrouj in Rome in 1999.
Source
www.skysports.com