PARIS — Three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon failed in her bid Thursday to become the first woman to run a mile in less than four minutes.
Kipyegon, the Olympic 1,500-meter gold medalist from Kenya, ran in 4 minutes, 06.42 seconds — the fastest mile in history by a woman — at Stade Charléty in Paris.
Her time was better than her world record of 4:07.64 but won’t be recognized by the international federation because the Nike-sponsored event dubbed “Breaking4: Faith Kipyegon vs. the 4-Minute Mile ” was unofficial. She was supported by runners who helped set the pace, and she was also equipped with Nike’s latest innovations, from her aerodynamic track suit to her spikes.
“I gave everything today to try; it was not about running a tactical race” Kipyegon said. “It was the first trial. I have proven that it’s possible, and it’s only a matter of time. I think it will come to our way. If it’s not me, it will be somebody else. I know one day, one time, a woman will run under (four minutes). I will not lose hope. I will still go for it.”
The 31-year-old looked exhausted as she reached the finish and fell on her back as she was surrounded by photographers.