Three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon is set to make history by attempting the first-ever sub-4-minute mile by a woman, a feat that has eluded female athletes for decades.
Nike and Global Sports Communication have confirmed that the Kenyan middle-distance legend will take on the monumental challenge at the Stade Charléty in Paris on June 26, 2025, in a specially curated event titled “Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile.”
Since Sir Roger Bannister first broke the four-minute mile barrier in 1954, over 1,700 men have replicated the achievement. Yet, no woman has ever come close—until now. Kipyegon currently holds the women’s mile world record at 4:07.64, set in 2023. To make history, she must slash an astounding 7.65 seconds off her own best time. But if anyone can do it, it’s Kipyegon, a relentless competitor who has redefined excellence in women’s middle-distance running.
More Than a Record: A Statement for Women in Sports
For Kipyegon, this attempt transcends athletics. It’s a powerful message to women worldwide.
“I want this attempt to say to women, ‘You can dream and make your dreams valid,'” she said.
“This is the way to go as women, to push boundaries and dream big.”
Her journey has been extraordinary. From her early dominance as a junior athlete to becoming a multiple Olympic and World Championship gold medalist, Kipyegon has consistently raised the bar. Beyond her athletic prowess, her personal evolution, balancing motherhood with elite competition, has made her an inspirational figure in sports.
Performance Director at Global Sports Communication Valentijn Trouw, emphasized the significance of this moment.
“Faith has come a long way as an athlete and as a person. The Breaking4 project is the culmination of her journey—chasing the unthinkable while inspiring millions with her passion and determination.”
The Science Behind the Attempt
Recent research published in Royal Society Open Science suggests that Kipyegon’s physiological capabilities could make a sub-4-minute mile possible. The study analyzed her energy output across various pacing strategies, concluding that she could theoretically run as fast as 3:59.37—matching Bannister’s historic time.
“It would not only show the physical capabilities of a woman but I think it would also be very inspiring for the next generation of women. I think Faith is a phenomenal role model for multiple generations of athletes – not only young high schoolers getting into the mile and just discovering this event but also Faith is a mom. There’s also this older generation of women that she’s inspiring. If she’s able to go out and break these barriers, I think it would be a huge spectrum of women that she could show, ‘Hey, our bodies are more capable than we ever thought possible.”
Her 1500m personal best of 3:49.04 converts to roughly 4:06.5 for the mile, putting her tantalizingly close to the barrier. With optimized pacing, cutting-edge footwear, and elite pacers, the impossible may soon become reality.
Nike’s Role in the Historic Attempt
Nike has long been at the forefront of running innovation. Their super shoes, such as the VaporFly and Alphafly series, have revolutionized distance running. While it remains unclear which shoes Kipyegon will wear for the attempt, experts speculate that Nike may deploy a prototype, similar to their Breaking2 project with Eliud Kipchoge, to maximize performance.
The choice of venue is also strategic. Kipyegon has a strong connection to Stade Charléty, having broken the 5000m (14:05.20) and 1500m (3:49.04) world records there. The track’s fast surface and favorable conditions make it the ideal stage for this historic bid.
What’s Next for Kipyegon?
Before her Paris attempt, Kipyegon will open her 2025 season at the Xiamen Diamond League on April 26, racing the 1000m against Olympic 800m silver medalist Tsigie Duguma. This race will serve as a key indicator of her early-season form.
If successful, Kipyegon’s sub-4-minute mile would be more than just a record, it would be a seismic shift in women’s sports, proving that barriers are meant to be broken.