Faith Kipyegon: 3 Reasons Why the First Sub-Four Minute Women’s Mile Is Within Reach

is setting her sights on one of the most ambitious goals in middle-distance running: becoming the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes.

r is set to attempt this feat in Paris on 26 June.

Though the due to rotating pacemakers and cutting-edge gear, the significance of her attempt reaches far beyond the stopwatch.

looks at why Kipyegon just might be the one to make history.

Faith —she is arguably the greatest of all time.

The 30-year-old runner’s résumé boasts three Olympic gold medals in the 1500m, most recently at the Paris Games in 2024 which made her the first woman to ever win three consecutive titles at that distance.

In addition, and owns the world record in the 1500m.

Kipyegon is known for her tactical awareness, blistering finishing kicks, and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Moreover, to her collection in a range that only adds to the argument that she’s built for a sub-four mile attempt.

Since giving birth to her daughter Alyn in 2018, Kipyegon has spoken openly about how motherhood transformed her mindset and made her more determined.

since becoming a mother, a feat that adds not just to her legend but to her inner strength.

According to Kipyegon, motherhood has deepened her motivation: «You have to engage yourself, you have to show your child the way.»

Kipyegon’s drive now comes not only from personal ambition but from the desire to be a role model, both for her daughter and for women around the world.

This psychological edge—rooted in purpose beyond the sport—gives her resilience and focus unmatched by most competitors.

Mentally, she is tougher, more grounded, and more inspired than ever. In elite sport, where success often hinges on the smallest of margins, that mental fortitude can be the difference between a great attempt and a groundbreaking achievement.

she wants to show the next generation what’s possible.

Though her attempt will not count as an official world record, it is designed to maximize performance.

Like Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon, Kipyegon’s effort will likely include rotating pacemakers and advanced gear from Nike, both of which will help her maintain the brutal pace required to go sub-four.

In today’s era, Advances in shoe technology, pacing strategies, and biomechanics analysis have already pushed barriers once thought unbreakable.

Kipyegon is stepping into this environment at the perfect moment—she has both the human potential and technological support needed to break through the four-minute wall.