Nike's "Breaking 4" moonshot results in a world best for Kenya's Faith Kipyegon...

PARIS--It was called a moonshot by those involved with the Nike-sponsored project, called "Breaking 4".

Kenya's Faith Kipyegon (photo courtesy Nike), the three-time Olympic champion at 1500 meters, and world record holder in the mile, ran the fastest mile ever run by a woman Thursday evening at the Stade Charléty, stopping the clock at 4:06.42, just over a second past her previous personal best and world record time of 4:07.64, set in Monaco in 2023.

The time will not be ratified by World Athletics, as it wasn't in the context of an official race. Additionally she wore a custom spike not approved for competition, and used a team of eleven male and two female pacers, including Stanford grad and world short track record holder in the 3000 and 5000, Grant Fisher, along with Oregon alum Cooper Teare.

Much like the methodology used in Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge's attempt to break two hours in the marathon in 2017 and 2019, they ran in a specific formation to try and create an air pocket for the Kenyan to sit in and maneuver around the bends.

Kipyegon stayed on pace for just about the first 800m, opening with a 60.02 first lap and splitting 2:00.75 at halfway. That had her a touch outside four-minute pace, and the Kenyan was visibly struggling by the kilometer, which she went through in 2:30.68.

She crossed the line with one lap to go at 3:01.84, just over a second behind the pace needed for a sub-4 mile.

On the final lap, Stewart McSweyn of Australia switched positions with Fisher, who ran most of the race just to Kipyegon's outside to be her "blocker" as one of the tallest world class milers at 6-2 (1.88m) and to serve as a wind shield to the diminutive 5-2 (1.57m) Kenyan, while Teare and Fisher moved to the front, stepping to the outside with just over 50 meters to go.

She finished with a final lap of 65.08 to cross the line at 4:06.42.

"It was tough, but I am so proud of what I’ve done, and I’m going to keep on trying, dreaming and pursing big goals,” says Faith of her attempt. “I want to show the world, and especially women, that you have to dare to try.” 

Courtesy of Nike, here is video of the race (the race starts at the 56 minute mark of the video):

NOTE: Nike contributed to this report.

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