‘It’s not if but when,’ Kipyegon promises mythical 4-min mile barrier will fall

The four-time world champion said the Nike-sponsored Breaking4 event "was for all the young girls and women out there to show that you have to believe in yourself in everything you do.”

Kipyegon clocked in at 4:06.42 at the Stade Charlety in Paris, missing out on the fabled mark by 06.42 seconds but beating her own world record of 4:07.64 over the distance, which will not be recognised as a new mark due to the event's non-compliance with standard competition rules.

To achieve the feat, Kipyegon would have needed to run each of her four laps an average of about two seconds faster, but despite failing in her attempt, the track legend says “it’s not if, it’s when” before the barrier is broken.

“Breaking4 was about showing the world that we have to push ourselves,” she said on her social media platforms hours after the race.

“‎‎I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all the support I’ve received. From my whole team, Nike, the pacemakers, the organisers, and fans from all around the world. It’s not if, it’s when.”

The event was inspired by former world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge, who shattered the two-hour barrier in the marathon with a similar experiment, known as Ineos 1:59 Challenge, in Vienna in 2019.

The marathon legend was there in France to support, alongside Team GB star Georgia Hunter Bell, who won bronze at the Paris Olympics in the same race that saw Kipyegon storm to gold at the Stade de France.

It was more than 71 years ago when British runner Roger Bannister became the first man to eclipse four minutes in 3:59.4.

Kipyegon set the women's mile world record nearly two years ago during a Diamond League meet in Monaco.