Sha’Carri Richardson has sent a heartfelt message of support to Faith Kipyegon as the Kenyan middle-distance icon prepares to chase history in Paris. Kipyegon is aiming to become the first woman in history to run a mile in under four minutes a barrier long considered unbreakable in women’s athletics.
The record attempt is scheduled for Thursday night at the Stade Charlety in Paris, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric. Kipyegon, already the world record holder in the mile with a time of 4:07.64 set in Monaco in 2023, now seeks to shave off more than seven seconds in a bold attempt to make history.
Her pursuit has drawn global attention, not only for its historical significance but also because of the massive support from fans, fellow athletes, and brands. Among those cheering her on is 100m world champion Sha’Carri Richardson, who shared her encouragement on social media with a simple but powerful message: “HAVE FAITH #Breaking4.” The post reflects a growing camaraderie between elite athletes who are pushing boundaries in their respective disciplines.
The symbolism of Kipyegon’s attempt is profound. Just as Roger Bannister did in 1954 when he became the first man to run a sub-four-minute mile, Kipyegon’s goal is not just about speed it’s about redefining what is humanly possible. Only one other distance-running milestone of similar weight has been achieved in recent times: Eliud Kipchoge’s historic sub-two-hour marathon during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in 2019. Kipyegon has drawn inspiration from Kipchoge, who has mentored her as she prepared for this extraordinary feat.
To boost her chances, a carefully selected group of 12 pacemakers will accompany her on the track. These include Olympic medalists and Diamond League winners, handpicked to guide her through each crucial split with precision. The entire endeavor is being backed by Nike, who are supporting Kipyegon not only with gear and training support but also with a carefully orchestrated race strategy under the campaign banner “Breaking4.”
For Kipyegon, the Paris stage is a familiar one. She has made history in the French capital before, and there is a growing sense that another legendary moment may be on the horizon. With talent, preparation, and global support behind her, all eyes will be on her as she takes her place at the starting line in pursuit of greatness.
