Faith Kipyegon Aims for Historic Sub-Four-Minute Mile with Cutting-Edge Nike Technology

Paris, France – On June 26th, Kenyan middle-distance runner Faith Kipyegon is set to make a groundbreaking attempt to become the first woman in history to run a mile in under four minutes. The highly anticipated event will take place at Stade Charlety in Paris, under carefully selected nighttime conditions to ensure optimal temperature and minimal wind resistance. Kipyegon, who already holds the women's mile world record with a time of 4:07.64, achieved in 2023, is aiming to shave nearly eight more seconds off her current best. This ambitious target follows a period of over two decades of stagnation in women's mile records, with only two new records set since the year 2000 before Kipyegon's recent success. To support her audacious goal, Nike’s Sport Research Lab has developed a bespoke technology package. This includes a bodysuit featuring tiny aerodynamic spheres called Aerodones to reduce drag, a 3D-printed Flyweb bra for tailored airflow, and custom spikes equipped with a carbon plate Zoom unit and six titanium pins for enhanced grip. This cutting-edge gear is designed to provide every possible advantage in what is being described as a “moonshot” attempt. The event, which will be broadcast on Nike’s YouTube channel, is poised to redefine the limits of human athletic performance, pushing beyond conventional boundaries and inspiring a new understanding of what is possible in women's athletics.

Marie Claire UK

As Faith Kipyegon Attempts To Become the First Woman Ever To Run a Sub-4-Minute…

Are these world record attempts about the sport anymore, or the sponsorship?