Last winter, a groundbreaking study suggested that Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon could potentially break the 4-minute mile barrier, a feat previously considered unattainable for women. On Thursday, Kipyegon will attempt this milestone during Nike’s “Breaking4” event in Paris. At 31, Kipyegon is arguably the perfect candidate. A three-time Olympic gold medalist with the current world record for the 1,500 meters, she recently clocked a mile record of 4:07.64 in Monaco.
Key to her success will be how effectively she can draft off pacers to reduce aerodynamic drag, a detail that remains uncertain as Nike’s pacing strategy has not been publicly disclosed. Kipyegon expressed that breaking four minutes would be a significant part of her legacy, potentially inspiring more women to pursue middle-distance running.
The study’s authors—Rodger Kram, Shalaya Kipp, and others—analyzed Kipyegon’s running dynamics and concluded that with optimal drafting by female pacers, she could achieve a time of 3:59.37. This number echoes Roger Bannister’s historic 1954 achievement of being the first man to break the 4-minute mark. Improvements in women’s performance have accelerated since 2016, coinciding with technological advancements in running shoes.
Kipyegon will wear specialized Nike gear designed to minimize drag during her attempt. Observers are particularly interested in how she manages her pace and positioning relative to her pacers. The outcome of this race could significantly impact women’s running, inspiring broader interest and research in female athletic performance. Regardless of the final time, Kram acknowledged that the attempt itself is historic, potentially shifting perceptions of what’s achievable in women’s sports.
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