Faith Kipyegon embarked on a historic quest in Paris to achieve what no woman had accomplished before: running a mile in under four minutes. This audacious attempt, dubbed 'Breaking4' by Nike, aimed to challenge long-held beliefs, including those of some scientists, who doubted a woman's physiological capacity for such a feat. Kipyegon, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1500 meters and the previous world record holder for the mile at 4:07.64, was targeting a significant reduction of nearly eight seconds from her own record.

The preparation for this groundbreaking event involved an intensive collaboration between Kipyegon and Nike's innovation teams. Over nearly a year, Nike's experts, including Amy Jones Vateralus, Vice President of Women’s Research at Nike Sport Research Lab, and Janett Nichol, Vice President of Innovation, worked closely with Kipyegon. They traveled to Kenya for testing and feedback, and Kipyegon visited Nike HQ in Beaverton, Oregon. This meticulous process focused on optimizing every minute detail of her gear, recognizing that at Kipyegon's speed, even the smallest aerodynamic advantage could be crucial.

Nike developed innovative apparel specifically for this record attempt. The 'Fly Suit,' a lightweight, one-piece suit complete with a headband and arm and leg sleeves, was designed for maximum aerodynamics. It featured strategically placed pencil-tip sized nodes to disrupt airflow and reduce drag around her body. Additionally, a 3D-printed sports bra, made from Nike's proprietary FlyWeb material (a thermoplastic polyurethane), was created to minimize moisture retention and heat, offering support where needed while remaining lightweight. Kipyegon's footwear was equally custom-engineered: the 'Nike Victory Elite FK' (Faith Kipyegon or 'fastest known') spikes. These were among Nike's lightest shoes, weighing less than 90 grams, and incorporated six custom-made titanium pins for traction, a full-length carbon fiber plate, and ZoomX foam midsole for enhanced energy return and running efficiency.

On a sunny Paris evening, in front of a cheering crowd at Stade Sébastien Charléty, Kipyegon gave a strong effort, crossing the finish line tape, held by her longtime mentor and running icon Eliud Kipchoge, in 4:06.42. While she didn't achieve the sub-four-minute mile 'yet,' she did shave over a second off her own world record, demonstrating that the goal is within closer reach. Kipyegon's motto, 'dare to try,' resonated throughout the event. She later expressed her belief that a sub-four mile is still attainable for women, stating, “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.”

This attempt holds significant historical context in running. Roger Bannister first broke the sub-four-minute barrier for men in 1954, a time when women were not even permitted to run the distance in the Olympics. The psychological impact of seeing a goal achieved is profound, as illustrated by John Landy breaking Bannister's record shortly after. Kipyegon's public pursuit of this goal serves as a powerful inspiration, particularly for young girls. As she emphasized, “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.”

Beyond the personal achievement, the 'Breaking4' event has broader implications for women's running. It has led to increased media coverage for women’s sports, contributed to the normalization of women competing at all levels, and spurred a growing body of scientific research focused specifically on female athletes. A study published in Royal Society Open Science even predicted a potential route for Kipyegon to achieve a 3:59.37 with the aid of pacers. Elliott Heath, a Nike product expert, highlighted Kipyegon’s vulnerability and relentless pursuit as