Faith Kipyegon vows to return stronger after brilliant effort at ‘Breaking4’ project
Kenya's Faith Kipyegon reacts after a race at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
What you need to know:
- The 31-year-old Faith Kipyegon said she had proven that it was possible to achieve the feat.
- She also gave the strongest hint yet that she will attempt a sub-four-minute mile in future.
Triple Olympic Games Champion Faith Kipyegon has said it is only a matter of time before an athlete runs the mile in under four minutes. At the same time, the athlete has hinted at attempting to dip under four minutes in the mile in future.
Speaking on Thursday night in Paris after her failed attempt at running the mile in less four minutes, the 31-year-old said she had proven that it was possible to achieve the feat.
She timed four minutes and 6.42 seconds, missing the target marginally.
“I feel good I have tried. I came here to try and be the first woman to run the mile in under four minutes and I have proven that it is possible today, and it is only a matter of time,” the reigning 1,500m Olympics champion said.
“It will come our way... if not me, it will be someone else,” she said to a wild applause from those inside Stade Charlety in Paris.
Kipyegon also gave the strongest hint yet that she will attempt a sub-four-minute mile in future.
“I know one day one time, a woman will run (the mile) under four minutes. I will not lose hope, I will still go for it,” the world record holder over 1,500m added.
“If not a special race like this, I think it will come in the Diamond League or in a normal race,” she added.
“I will still go for it, and I hope to get it one time,” she said.
“Thank you for coming to cheer me up, this was so special and I am very grateful. Like (2016 Olympics marathon champion) Eliud Kipchoge, I have proven to the world that something special is possible.”