Faith Kipyegon has addressed her attempt to become the first-ever woman to run a mile in under four minutes, following her race on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
In her statement released on Friday, June 27, Kipyegon said that she attempted the race to show the world that people need to push themselves.
“I dared to try, ‘Breaking4’ was about showing the world that we have to push ourselves. This one was for all the young girls and women out there to show that you have to believe in yourself in everything you do,” she said.
She also thanked everyone, including the organisers and fans, for the support they showed her.
“I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the support I’ve received. From my whole team, Nike, the pacemakers, the organisers, and fans from all around the world. It’s not if, it’s when,” she added.
Kipyegon completed the mile in 4:06.42, falling short of the sub-4-minute barrier she was pursuing. Nonetheless, this was faster than her own 2023 world record of 4:07.64.
She remained on pace through 800 m (about 2:00.75) but began to slow during the final lap, finishing the last 400 m in roughly 64.6 seconds
Despite the heartbreak, Kipyegon remains the fastest woman to run a mile in history.
After the race, while addressing the press, she strongly hinted at taking another stab at the challenge to run the mile again.
She added that she would not be discouraged, predicting that the 4-minute mile barrier would eventually be broken by her or another athlete.
"I feel good; I've tried. I have proven what's possible. It's only a matter of time, and I know one day a woman will run under 4 minutes. If it is not me, it will be someone else."
"Even without these conditions, I will still go for it. I want to thank everyone who came to cheer me on. This was really special, and I am so grateful I have proved to the world that everything is possible," she said.
