Olympic Runner Faith Kipyegon Misses 4-Minute Mile Record by Mere Seconds

Olympic Champion Faith Kipyegon Almost Breaks 4-Minute Mile Record by a Whisker

Kenyan middle-distance runner Faith Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, came tantalisingly close to achieving a historic milestone in her career. At the Breaking4 event in Paris on June 26, 2025, the world watched as she pushed herself to the limit in an attempt to run a mile in less than four minutes. While she set a personal best and a new world record in the distance, Kipyegon fell just short, with a time of 4:06.42.

The event, titled “Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile,” was sponsored by Nike, who provided Kipyegon with top-of-the-line gear to enhance her performance. Outfitted in a specially designed 3D printed sports bra, aerodynamic racing suit, and lightweight spikes, Kipyegon was supported by pace runners as she sprinted around the stadium in Paris.

Despite the narrow miss, Kipyegon expressed pride in her achievement and resolved to continue pursuing her dreams. Speaking after the race, she reflected on the experience, saying, “It was tough, but I am so proud of what I’ve done, and I’m going to keep on trying, dreaming and pursuing big goals. I want to show the world, and especially women, that you have to dare to try.”

The 31-year-old athlete is no stranger to success, having previously set a world record of 4:07.64 in 2023. A seasoned competitor, Kipyegon is a dominant force in the 1,500-meters category, holding both Olympic gold medals and world record times in the discipline.

The elusive sub-4 minute mile mark, a barrier that no female athlete has crossed yet, remains a significant challenge in the world of track and field. While over 2,100 men have achieved this feat since Roger Bannister first broke the record in 1954, Kipyegon’s near-miss serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in sports.

Before the race, Kipyegon shared her motivation for the daring attempt, stating, “I’m a three-time Olympic champion. I’ve achieved world championship titles. I thought, what else? Why not dream outside the box? And I told myself, ‘If you believe in yourself, and your team believes in you, you can do it.’ ”

Kipyegon’s courageous performance at the Breaking4 event has garnered admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. Her unwavering determination and unwavering spirit serve as an inspiration to aspiring runners and women in sports, showcasing the power of perseverance and self-belief in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

As Kipyegon continues her journey towards athletic greatness, her resilience and tenacity on the track embody the ethos of sportsmanship and dedication. Despite narrowly missing out on the 4-minute mile record, her unwavering commitment to excellence signals a promising future filled with potential milestones and achievements on the horizon.