Supported by Nike, Faith Kipyegon aimed to become the first woman to break the four-minute barrier in the mile (1.6 km). However, at Stade Charlety on 26/6, the Kenyan runner finished in 4 minutes and 6.42 seconds.
Kipyegon surpassed her own personal best of 4 minutes and 7.64 seconds set at the 2023 Diamond League. However, this new time won't be recognized as a world record due to the assistance of male pacers.
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Faith Kipyegon expresses disappointment after missing the sub-four-minute mile target at Stade Charlety, France on 26/6. Photo: AP |
Faith Kipyegon expresses disappointment after missing the sub-four-minute mile target at Stade Charlety, France on 26/6. Photo: AP
Nike's "Moonshot" project, announced in April, meticulously planned the event, from shoes and strategy to time zone and weather conditions. Kipyegon competed under ideal conditions in Paris with a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and a light breeze. The stadium was decorated in purple, Kipyegon's favorite color and the primary color of her new Nike product line.
Twelve pacers, including Nike-sponsored athletes and Kipyegon's training partners, maintained a specific formation throughout the four laps to minimize wind resistance. Five men led as a "shield," while three ran behind. A pacing light circled the track, displaying both Kipyegon's sub-four-minute target and her world record pace.
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Faith Kipyegon is supported by male pacers. Photo: AP |
Faith Kipyegon is supported by male pacers. Photo: AP
As the female world record holder in the distance, Kipyegon lacked female pacers capable of keeping her pace for all four laps. Consequently, the 31-year-old runner relied on male pacers, which disqualified her time from world record consideration.
Diljeet Taylor, head coach at Nike Swoosh Track Club and Brigham Young University, explained, "When women are attempting feats never done before, we can’t have female pacers unless they’re rotating in and out. As we evolve and women evolve in the sport, the rules need to evolve as well,".
Kipyegon, known as the queen of middle-distance running, holds the world records in the 1,500m and the mile, and formerly held the 5,000m record. She is the only athlete to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the 1,500m: at Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024, where she also set the Olympic record.
In addition to her Olympic achievements, Kipyegon is the world champion in the 1,500m in 2017, 2022, and 2023, and the 5,000m world champion in 2023. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, she also won silver in the 5,000m after a successful appeal against disqualification.
Hong Duy (Canadian Running Magazine)
