Faith Kipyegon remains convinced that a woman will break the four-minute mile barrier within 10 years, despite falling more than six seconds short in her record attempt in Paris.
It was an unsatisfactory outcome for both Kipyegon and Nike, who had hoped advancements such as aerodynamic skinsuits, lighter spikes, and a team of pacers would bring the 31-year-old Kenyan closer to reaching that historic mark.
Speaking with reporters after her run in Paris, Kipyegon expressed pride for attempting – despite not achieving - something unprecedented: being quicker than any woman before at running a mile (4 minutes and 6.42 seconds). She also anticipates that future technology will enable Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson to break the women's 800m world record of over two decades, currently standing since 1983.
Kipyegon maintains her optimism about a woman surpassing four minutes in mile time because she believes technology will continue improving: “One day and one race – it’ll happen.” When asked why despite the six-second gap remaining, Kipyegon stated that future tech would be superior to what was used during her attempt. She acknowledges having struggled towards the end of her run but remains positive she can get even closer (under 4 minutes) in a race with female pacers: “I believe I will still lower my world record.”
Looking ahead, Kipyegon has planned to challenge herself again over shorter distances. Her next competition is an attempt on the mile at Eugene's Prefontaine Classic; she confidently asserts her readiness for this endeavor despite no immediate plans of trying once more to break four minutes in a single run.
In Paris, Kipyegon spoke with Keely Hodgkinson about their shared aspirations and the inspiration drawn from one another's performances: “She’s hungry – she wants faster times.” Reflecting on her own experience as an inspirational figure for others like Hodgkinson, Kipyegon adds further to this camaraderie.
Nike representatives also anticipate future innovations that will enable more milestones in athletics: “Things I’ve seen and felt – they're coming.” They emphasize their ongoing commitment toward advancing technology for enhancing performances, stressing the importance of taking risks.
Read next
Andreeva's French Open victory highlights the impact of Martínez and women coaches
Conchita Martínez was describing her player’s journey to a maiden grand-slam title when Mirra Andreeva interrupted. Accompanied by officials and a staff member holding the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen, the new French Open champion entered the room to cause mischief.
Andreeva asked, “What is the best thing about working with Mirra
Lewis Hamilton confident he is nearing first victory with Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton believes a victory for Ferrari is possible following his second-place finish at the Monaco Grand Prix. The seven-time champion is determined to pursue Kimi Antonelli, the current Formula One leader who secured another win in Monte Carlo.
Driving for Mercedes, Antonelli dominated the race, maintaining his lead through
Hodgkinson: Shock loss will fuel my pursuit of 800m world record this summer
In a dramatic event in Stockholm, Audrey Werro recorded the fastest 800m time seen since the Cold War era, defeating Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson. Werro finished in 1min 53.98sec, marking the third fastest time in history. She now trails only Jarmila Kratochvilova’s 1983 world record of 1:53.