Irish star Sarah Healy has tapped Faith Kipyegon to go for sub-four-minute mile glory ahead of the Kenyan’s much-anticipated attempt in Paris this week.
Healy clocked a personal best of 3:57.15 to finish second in the women’s 1500m at the Paris Diamond League. She came behind Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir. The 24-year-old Dubliner is now closing in on Ciara Mageean’s Irish record of 3:55.87.
It’s been a breakthrough season for Healy, who also set a 3000m PB in Rabat and won the 1500m in Rome with a storming final lap. Speaking after her race in Paris, she praised Kipyegon’s upcoming challenge.
“I can’t wait to watch Faith go for that sub-four mile…it’ll be amazing,” Healy said. “Last year, I ran here in the same race she broke the world record and I ran 3:57. I hardly realized what she’d done because I was so excited with my own PB!”
Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic and double world champion, is set to make her historic attempt at the rarely-run distance at Stade Charléty in Paris on Thursday June 26. The project, backed by Nike, mirrors Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon effort and includes advanced pacing, high-tech racing gear, and extensive scientific support. Any result, however, won’t be eligible as an official world record.
Kipyegon The ‘GOAT’ – Hunter Bell
Also, among those supporting her on the track will be British runner Georgia Hunter Bell, who is part of the pacemaking team.
“She’s the greatest of all time,” Bell said. “Being a mother, doing what she does with such power and joy, it’s unbelievable. We all look up to her.”
She Continued; “I’m supporting her this week while she tries to break four minutes for the mile in her sub-four attempt. This Thursday I’m going to be part of the pacemaking team and she’s done it.”
Bell, the Olympic bronze medallist and a training partner of Sarah Healy in Manchester, clocked 3:58.06 to finish sixth at Paris Diamond League.