Faith Kipyegon says record-breaking feat aims to inspire young women

Three-time world champion Faith Kipyegon has revealed that her attempt to break the sub-four-minute mile was meant to inspire young women and the younger generation to dare to try, even though she fell short of the milestone.

Speaking on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a jubilant Kipyegon celebrated her recent victory, which marked the third time she has broken her own 1500m world record.

"Hii ni huge achievement kwangu kubreak my own record every year kwanzia 2023 mbaka sai nabreak my own record. Breaking 4 is possible, it was to inspire young generation, to inspire young women to dare to try kujua that kila kitu ni possible kwa life," she said.

"So going to Prefontaine nilikua najua I was capable of breaking my own record in 1500 ju nilicross almost na world record so nikajua bado nipossible. Nimeona kila kitu ni possible na naona am still strong. I thank God na kila kitu, I hope itakua sawa," she added.

Her remarks followed a stunning performance at the Prefontaine Classic, a Diamond League event held in Eugene, Oregon, USA, on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Kipyegon clocked 3:48.68 in the women's 1500m, setting a new world record.

The much-anticipated sub-four-minute mile attempt, heavily backed by Nike and cheered on by fans and fellow athletes, ultimately fell short. Nonetheless, her record-breaking 1500m run captivated the athletics world and reaffirmed her dominance in middle-distance events.

Kipyegon's mission, however, goes beyond medals and records, she said.

She aims to demonstrate, especially to girls and young women, that with belief, hard work, and purpose, breaking limits is possible.

Even without achieving the sub-four-minute mile, her message rang loud and clear: greatness is within reach.