In a historic attempt on a sunny Paris evening, Faith Kipyegon, an acclaimed three-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1500 meters, embarked on an unprecedented quest: to run a mile in under four minutes, a feat no woman has ever accomplished. Her previous personal best and world record stood at 4:07.64. Despite a valiant effort in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Stade Sébastien Charléty, Kipyegon crossed the finish line with a time of 4:06.42, a new personal best, cheered on by her mentor, Eliud Kipchoge. While she didn't break the four-minute barrier on this occasion, the rigorous training, strategic planning, and cutting-edge gear developed by Nike for this 'Breaking4' event underscored the significance of her endeavor.

Kipyegon's pursuit directly challenged a long-held belief, even among some scientists, that a sub-four-minute mile was beyond women's physical capabilities. Embracing her motto, “dare to try,” Kipyegon, with Nike’s support, aimed to shatter this misconception. Although she narrowly missed the ultimate goal, her unwavering conviction remains that it is possible, adding the crucial word “yet” to any pronouncement of failure. Post-attempt, a gracious and grateful Kipyegon affirmed her belief that the sub-four-minute mile is still within reach for women, declaring, “I wanted to prove to the world that everything is possible in life. You dare to try and I hope one day it will come my way.”

The mere attempt itself represents a monumental moment in running history. The sub-four-minute mile was first achieved by Roger Bannister in 1954, a time when women were not even permitted to run the distance in the Olympics. It took decades for longer distances to be included for women, with the 1500-meter race finally added in 1972, an event Kipyegon has dominated. Historians like Lauren Goss note that Bannister's breakthrough demonstrated the profound psychological boost derived from knowing a goal is humanly possible, as evidenced by John Landy breaking his record within weeks. This highlights that while a sub-four-mile is a difficult physical feat, it is equally a mental one. Kipyegon has consistently emphasized the mental aspect, stating, “My message to young girls, especially small ones like my daughter, Alyn, is to not limit themselves. They have to dream and make their dreams valid.”

Last night’s 'Breaking4' event, a bold and public initiation of Kipyegon's quest, profoundly impacts women's running. It serves as a powerful source of inspiration, as noted by Nike product expert Elliott Heath, who lauded Kipyegon’s vulnerability and relentless pursuit. Beyond inspiration, the event has amplified media coverage for women’s sports, further normalized female participation in running at all levels, and stimulated scientific research specifically focused on female athletes. While a recent study predicted a sub-3:59.37 for Kipyegon with specific pacing, her continued efforts, even with a slight time improvement, reinforce that the battle for the sub-four-minute mile is far from over, both for her and for other ambitious female runners.

A critical component of Kipyegon's attempt was the meticulously engineered gear developed in partnership with Nike. Over nearly a year, Nike’s team conducted extensive research, testing, and feedback sessions in Kenya, where Kipyegon trains, and at their HQ in Beaverton, Oregon. This close collaboration, which included Kipyegon’s active involvement and feedback, was crucial in optimizing every minute detail to enhance her speed and efficiency. Amy Jones Vateralus, VP of Women’s Research at Nike Sport Research Lab, highlighted the granular focus, stating, “At Faith’s speed, we are looking at every tiny [detail].”

The innovations included the bespoke Fly Suit, a lightweight one-piece designed for optimal aerodynamics, complete with a headband and integrated arm and leg sleeves. Crafted from proprietary material, its sleek and stretchy construction helps Kipyegon glide through the air with minimal resistance. A notable feature of the suit are strategically placed, pencil-tip sized nodes, which are engineered to disrupt airflow and further reduce drag around her body, significantly contributing to her speed.

Another key innovation was Kipyegon’s 3D-printed sports bra, made from Nike's proprietary FlyWeb material, a thermoplastic polyurethane. Traditional sports bras can retain moisture and heat, adding stress during intense performance. The FlyWeb bra was specifically designed to minimize moisture retention. It features varying thicknesses, providing enhanced support where needed and reduced bulk in other areas, optimizing both comfort and performance. Kipyegon’s consistent use of the bra in her training routines underscored its effectiveness and comfort.

For footwear, designers created the Nike Victory Elite FK spikes, specifically tailored for Faith Kipyegon’s attempt (FK standing for