Asbel Kiprop backs Faith Kipyegon's audacious record-breaking attempt

Former Olympic and triple 1500m world champion Asbel Kiprop has thrown his weight behind Faith Kipyegon’s bold attempt to become the first woman in history to run a mile in under four minutes.

This feat is likely to redefine the limits of women’s middle-distance running.

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The historic challenge is set to unfold at Paris’ Stade Charléty on Thursday, 26 June during a special window chosen to guarantee optimal weather conditions.

Dubbed “Breaking4,” the project is Nike’s latest moonshot, mirroring the dramatic setup of Eliud Kipchoge’s legendary Breaking2 marathon run in 2017.

Kipyegon who is the reigning world mile record holder at 4:07.64, is now daring to take the next quantum leap. Unlike standard competitions, this will be a controlled environment with rotating pacers and technical assistance designed to eliminate external variables all to help Kipyegon do the unthinkable.

“This is not just about chasing a number, 3:59.99, for Faith. It is about proving that the impossible can be done. She is a perfect athlete with the right mindset to break barriers,” Kiprop told Citizen Digital.

Kiprop’s support is rooted in expertise. He is a legend in his own right, having stormed onto the global scene in 2007 and winning the world junior cross-country title in Mombasa, and following it up with a senior 1500m gold at the All-Africa Games in Algiers. He then rose to win more accolades, including gold in the 1500m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and three World Championship titles. Few understand the science and pain behind elite middle-distance running like he does.

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“To drop eight seconds from a world record is no joke. It has taken more than 30 years for women to shave that much off the mile. Faith is trying to do it in one night. But if anyone can, it’s her,” Kiprop assured.

A recent study published in Royal Society Open Science and co-authored by U.S. Olympian and biomechanics expert Shalaya Kipp projected that under ideal conditions, Kipyegon could clock a 3:59.37.

The study compared her physical potential to that of Roger Bannister’s iconic sub-4-mile in 1954, only this time, the barrier stands before a woman.

Kipyegon’s current record was set in 2023 with minimal pacing support, forcing her to battle the final lap alone. Breaking4 is crafted to eliminate those limitations, offering her a cleaner, faster path toward history.

“This is the astronomy of our sport. Just like Roger Bannister in 1954 or the moon landing in 1969, these are breakthroughs that shift the way the world thinks. Now, Faith is doing that for women’s sport,” he said.

With Kipchoge’s sub-two-hour marathon as a national beacon, Kiprop sees this as a reminder that Kenya remains the GOAT of endurance greatness.

“After Kipchoge’s sub-two marathon, this is Kenya’s next big moment. It sends a message to the world: we are not done. We are still breaking barriers,” he concluded.

A look at Faith Kipyegon's special Nike gear for record breaking attempt [PHOTOS]