The Quest for the Four-Minute Mile: A New Frontier for Women in Athletics

The Legacy of Roger Bannister and the Rise of Faith Kipyegon

On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister of Great Britain made history by becoming the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, a feat many deemed impossible. Nearly 70 years later, scientists are now suggesting that the same barrier could soon be broken by a woman. At the center of this conversation is Faith Kipyegon of Kenya, who set the women’s world record in the mile with a time of 4:07.64 in 2023. A groundbreaking study published in the Royal Society Open Science journal proposes that with strategic drafting and pacing, Kipyegon could potentially achieve a sub-four-minute mile as early as this year. This achievement, if realized, would not only redefine the limits of human athleticism but also serve as a powerful symbol of progress for women in sports.

Breaking Down Barriers: Critics and Believers

While some may dismiss the idea of a woman breaking the four-minute mile as a publicity stunt or an unattainable goal, the study’s authors are confident in the possibility. Rodger Kram, a biomechanist and co-author of the study, draws parallels to the skepticism Bannister faced before his historic run. “A lot of people said it was physiologically impossible for Bannister or anybody to break four minutes,” Kram remarked. “But people have said women can’t do a lot of things, and then they have.” The study argues that a successful attempt would not only shatter a physical barrier but also erase a psychological one, inspiring future generations of female athletes.

The Science of Drafting: How Pacing Could Make History

The study’s authors propose that the key to Kipyegon’s success lies in drafting, a technique where a runner follows closely behind a pacesetter to reduce aerodynamic drag. The plan suggests using two pacesetters: one in front and one behind Kipyegon for the first half of the race. These pacesetters would then be replaced by two fresh runners for the final two laps. This strategy would allow Kipyegon to conserve energy while maintaining a blistering pace. If successful, this method could be recognized as an official world record, provided the pacesetters are also elite female runners. Drafting has proven effective in men’s races, most notably when Eliud Kipchoge used a rotating team of pacers to break the two-hour marathon barrier in 2019.

Overcoming Doubts: The Physiological and Psychological Hurdles

Despite the study’s optimistic outlook, not everyone is convinced. Ray Flynn, a two-time Olympian and prominent meet director, praised Kipyegon as “magnificent and brilliant” but expressed skepticism about her ability to break the four-minute mark without further advancements in shoe technology. Flynn pointed out that Kipyegon would need to shave off two seconds per lap to achieve this feat, a daunting task even for the world’s best. However, the study’s authors remain undeterred, emphasizing that the mental and societal impact of such a achievement would be just as significant as the physical accomplishment.

A Historical Perspective: Women’s Struggle for Recognition in Athletics

The idea of a woman breaking the four-minute mile comes at a time when female athletes are still overcoming decades of doubt and discrimination. Women were once barred from competing in long-distance events at the Olympics, with officials fearing that intense physical exertion could harm their health or reproductive abilities. It wasn’t until the 1984 Los Angeles Games that women were finally allowed to compete in the marathon. Today, female athletes continue to challenge these outdated notions, proving time and again that they possess the strength, endurance, and determination to compete at the highest level. A sub-four-minute mile would serve as “another nail in the coffin” of gender bias, according to Shalaya Kipp, another author of the study.

The Ideal Conditions and the Bigger Picture

For Kipyegon or any other woman to break the four-minute mile, the conditions would need to be ideal—no wind, perfect pacing, and a world-class performance. The study suggests that an all-female team of pacers would not only comply with track and field regulations but also carry significant psychological and sociological weight. “I think it would be really cool to see women alone do it,” remarked Dr. Kram. While the road ahead is uncertain, one thing is clear: the pursuit of a sub-four-minute mile by a woman represents more than just a athletic achievement—it symbolizes the ongoing fight for equality and recognition in sports. Whether Kipyegon or another female athlete eventually breaks this barrier, the effort itself is a testament to the resilience and determination of women in athletics.