Faith Kipyegon Reshapes Running History, Beating Her World Record Time in the Mile

Faith Kipyegon cemented her standing as the most decorated woman middle-distance athlete of all time today in Paris, harnessing holistic support from Nike, her partner of 16 years, to run a mile faster than any other woman in history — again. 

Finishing in a blistering 4:06.42, Faith shaved 1.22 seconds off her own world record time, pushing the limits of sport, approaching a historic benchmark long believed to be impossible, and setting the stage for future generations to dream big.

"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.” 

Faith’s landmark time — with lap splits of 1:00.20, 2:00.75, 3:01.84 and her finish of 4:06.42 — was the product of months of preparation, in partnership with Nike, to optimize every aspect of her attempt. She and the brand worked together to create the most ideal conditions for her to push the limits of possibility, considering every factor and advantage, including innovations in apparel and footwear, as well as location, aerodynamics and efficiency. 

As NIKE, Inc. President & CEO Elliott Hill puts it: “I will never forget this moment and watching Faith chase her dreams. This is why Nike exists: to serve athletes like Faith. History was made today, with Faith shattering her world record time. Watching her historic performance and pursuit to redefine what’s possible will inspire generations of athletes to dream bigger. I’m proud of the expertise, innovation, design, creativity and overall support that our teams provided to make the impossible possible.” 

For Faith’s Breaking4 attempt, Nike leveraged the full power of its sports science research and design expertise to create integrated made-for-speed products to help her perform at her peak: a first-of-its-kind Nike Fly Suit with futuristic aerodynamic properties, a Nike FlyWeb Bra made of a revolutionary 3D-printed performance material, and a featherweight Nike Victory Elite FK spike built to her exact specifications. 

This monumental effort, powered by Faith and an expert team of Nike dream makers, reflects her unfaltering dedication and once-in-a-generation talent, the depth of her partnership with Nike, and the brand’s holistic approach and fundamental belief in pushing the limits of human potential. 

Faith’s performance at Stade Charléty in Paris also reflects a watershed moment in women’s sport. Her world record time, set in 2023, was 7.64 seconds off the 4-minute threshold — and prior to her Breaking4 attempt, no woman had been positioned to achieve the 4-minute barrier alone. 

Faith and Nike recognized the potential to change that reality by working together, however, and they put the full force of their partnership behind breaking the threshold Roger Bannister first surpassed roughly 70 years prior. 

Faith chose the challenge as one distinct from her dominance in the 1,500-meter run, for which she also holds the world record, and to further her status as the most decorated woman middle-distance athlete in history. 

Further, while Faith delivered a momentous performance, her journey represents more than the pursuit of a specific, singular time. Her moonshot itself is a symbol of courage, ambition and freedom, encouraging athletes of all backgrounds, disciplines and intensities to chase their dreams, no matter how ambitious. 

Faith’s Breaking4 journey, powered by Nike’s support, also underscores Nike’s history as the brand built by runners, for runners, and its status as the greatest champion of women in sport, pioneering new paths for women athletes by inviting them into sport and delivering science-backed innovation that’s personalized and disruptive. 

“At Nike, we believe that athletes can accomplish the extraordinary, and Faith proved it today,” says Amy Montagne, President, Nike. “Our partnership with Faith for this moonshot reflects the power of teamwork, bringing together experts across sport science, innovation and design to push the boundaries of what is possible. Faith didn’t just make history, she proved the future of sport is faster, stronger and more inclusive than ever.” 

That was the palpable feeling at Stade Charléty today. While Faith’s performance marks her latest barrier-breaking moment, her achievement reflects the limitless possibilities for all athletes* to pursue their own audacious goals — and Nike’s dedication to helping them get there. 

*If you have a body, you are an athlete.