Martin Keino, who has paced legends like Kenenisa Bekele to world records, believes Faith Kipyegon’s attempt to break the four-minute mile at Nike’s Breaking4 event in Paris was a bold leap into uncharted territory.
Kipyegon, already the world record holder at 4:07.64, needed to cut more than seven seconds from her best—a margin almost unheard of in middle-distance running, where records usually fall by tenths of a second.
Moreover, Martin Keino notes that when he paced Daniel Komen to a 5,000m world record, even a single second’s deviation could ruin the attempt.
From my experience, the difference between a world record and an unthinkable new barrier is massive. Kipyegon needed to cut nearly eight seconds from her own world record of 4:07.64—a gap that, in middle-distance running, is almost unfathomable. In the world of elite miling, records are usually lowered by tenths, not seconds. When I paced Daniel Komen to his 5,000m world record, we knew every split had to be perfect; even a second off could doom the attempt. For Faith, the scale of improvement required meant any minor inefficiency was magnified, said Martin Keino.
For Kipyegon, the scale of improvement required magnified every minor inefficiency.
Physiological Limits, Pacing Complexity, and Execution
Martin Keino the man who paced Faith Kipyegon in her Nike`s Breaking 4 Attempt
Martin Keino points out that physiological limits remain a formidable barrier. Kipyegon’s 800m best of 1:57.68 is world-class, but the combination of speed and endurance needed for a sub-four-mile is unprecedented for any woman so far.
Even with a phalanx of elite male pacers shielding her from the wind and the latest super-spikes and aerodynamic suit, Faith Kipyegon struggled to maintain the relentless pace, particularly in the crucial third lap, where fatigue peaks and the finish still feels distant.
The third lap of the mile is always the crucible—fatigue peaks, and the finish feels far away. I’ve watched many records slip away in this stretch. Faith’s approach may have left some marginal gains untapped. In world record attempts I’ve paced, every detail—from warm-up routines to nutrition—was optimized for that one day. said Keino.
Martin Keino emphasises that perfect pacing is an art, not a science; lapse in contact with pacers increases air resistance and saps energy.
Perfect pacing is an art, not a science. My own success as a pacemaker came from an ability to judge pace and respond to the athlete’s needs in real time. For Faith, maintaining the ideal drafting position behind pacers was critical, but extremely difficult at such high speeds. Any lapse in contact with the pacer increases air resistance and saps precious energy. In my experience, even the best-laid pacing plans can unravel in the heat of the moment, said Martin Keino.
Keino also highlights that while Kipyegon’s training was world-class, breaking such a barrier may require a fundamentally different approach, with training tailored specifically for the mile’s unique demands.
Additionally, the use of male pacers, while helpful for speed, meant the attempt would not be ratified as an official world record, possibly affecting the competitive edge.
Conclusion: A Testament to Ambition and the Future
Faith Kipyegon
Despite the disappointment, Martin Keino sees Kipyegon’s attempt as a testament to human ambition and the spirit of athletics.
Faith Kipyegon’s attempt was a testament to human ambition and the spirit of athletics. She has the capacity and drive to achieve this massive milestone in her next attempt now with the benefit of the Paris experience, he added.
She shattered her world record, clocking 4:06.42, and proved that the sub-four-minute mile is within reach for women. The massive improvement required, physiological realities, pacing complexities, and the need for absolute precision in training and execution all contributed to her falling just short.
However, Martin Keino remains optimistic: with the lessons learned in Paris, Kipyegon—or another athlete—may soon make history.
