Kipyegon Falls Short in Historic Sub-Four Minute Mile Attempt

(The Post News)– Faith Kipyegon gave it her all in Paris on Thursday, but the Kenyan middle-distance queen fell just short of becoming the first woman to break the four-minute mile barrier. Racing under ideal evening conditions at Stade Charléty, the 31-year-old clocked 4:06.42, faster than her own previous best, but not enough to make history.

With the support of 13 pacers (including 11 men), along with wavelength pacing technology designed to guide her rhythm, Kipyegon ran the fastest mile ever recorded by a woman under such controlled conditions. However, because of the involvement of male pacemakers, the performance won’t count as an official world record.

Despite the outcome, Kipyegon remained positive. Physically drained after the race, she admitted she felt “exhausted” but firmly believes that the sub-four-minute milestone is no longer out of reach. “It’s just a matter of time,” she said, suggesting that if she doesn’t do it, someone else eventually will.

Her attempt echoed Roger Bannister’s legendary sub-four-minute mile in 1954, an era where runners competed on cinder tracks in heavy spikes, far from the technological edge Kipyegon had. Yet, over 1,900 men have achieved the feat since Bannister. Now, Kipyegon has brought women within touching distance.

Though the official record remains untouched, the message is clear: the barrier is breaking. Slowly, but surely.