Faith Kipyegon reveals her strategy for the historic one-mile run in Paris

Faith Kipyegon has revealed how she will approach her historic Paris mile run, attempting to break four minutes. Three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to run a sub-four-minute mile at the Stade Charlety in Paris on June 26.

Having accomplished just about everything in her career, including Olympic titles, world championships and world records, Faith Kipyegon’s next challenge is not just to dominate but to show off her strength.

When asked how she feels ahead of the upcoming Breaking4 event, Faith Kipyegon simply replied: “Strong!”

“It’s about mental strength and believing in everything you do”, said the 31-year-old athlete. “It’s about believing in your training, inspiring the next generation and remembering my journey from running barefoot as a kid to where I am now. That’s what drives me”, added she.

Faith Kipyegon looks confident and upbeat despite the daunting task ahead. Even if she manages to break the four-minute mile, it won’t be officially recognized because the modern spikes she will be wearing are not approved by World Athletics. Nevertheless, the achievement will be historic.

To break the four-minute mark, Faith Kipyegon must improve her own world record of 4:07.64 min, set in 2023, by more than seven seconds. Success would put her in history alongside Roger Bannister, who broke the four-minute mark for men 70 years ago.

Faith Kipyegon, one of the most dominant female athletes of her generation, boasts three consecutive Olympic 1,500m titles, four world championship gold medals (three in the 1,500m and one in the 5,000m), two world cross country titles, and world records in the 1,500m and mile.

Inspired by her friend and training partner Eliud Kipchoge, the first and only person to run a marathon in under two hours, Faith Kipyegon began to “dream outside the box”.

“You can’t limit yourself. You have to dream and chase that dream. I believe that what a man can do, a woman can do. Every workout fuels my dreams for the future”, said Faith Kipyegon.

She is preparing for her attempt at the high-altitude training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, under the guidance of coach Patrick Sang, who also trains Eliud Kipchoge. Despite the challenge, Faith Kipyegon has maintained her usual training regimen.

“I haven’t changed anything in terms of training”, confiemd Faith Kipyegon. “The coach gave me the same program that I use for the Olympics or the world championships. The difference for this race is the mindset, but the goals are the same: to dream and break four minutes”, added she.

The six-time world medalist believes Breaking4 will cement her legacy as the most successful miler in history and inspire women around the world.

“It will give hope to the next generation and show women that we can push our limits and believe in ourselves. Anything is possible”, said Faith Kipyegon.

She will have the support of her family, including her seven-year-old daughter Aline, and her mentor Kipchoge at the Stade Charlety. Whether she wins or loses, she plans to celebrate with her favorite post-race meal: a burger and fries.