“Can Faith Kipyegon Break the 4-Minute Mile Barrier with Perfect Pacing and Drafting?”

A new study published in Royal Society Open Science suggests that Kenyan world record holder Faith Kipyegon has the potential to break the 4-minute mile barrier with the help of perfect pacing and drafting. Kipyegon, known for her incredible speed and record-breaking performances, set three world records in 2023, including a remarkable 4 minutes and 7 seconds in the mile.

The study was inspired by Kipyegon’s record-breaking race in Monaco, where researchers observed that her pacemakers ran out too fast, creating a gap between them and Kipyegon. This led the researchers to investigate the impact of improved drafting and pacing on Kipyegon’s performance.

University of Colorado Boulder bio mechanist Rodger Kram, one of the researchers involved in the study, explained that by reducing the force of air resistance through better drafting, Kipyegon could potentially achieve a time of 3 minutes and 59 seconds in the mile. This time is significant as it matches the iconic time set by Roger Bannister in 1954 when he became the first person to break the 4-minute mile barrier.

The study utilized energy expenditure calculations and aerodynamic modeling to determine the potential benefits of improved drafting on Kipyegon’s performance. The results indicated that with optimal pacing and drafting, Kipyegon could achieve the historic sub-4-minute mile time.

While the study highlights the physiological capabilities of elite athletes like Kipyegon, physiologist James Smoliga from Tufts University cautioned that the scenario presented in the study is based on ideal conditions and may not be replicable in a sanctioned race. However, the researchers hope that their findings will inspire further exploration of the role of pacing and drafting in elite distance running.

Kipyegon expressed interest in the study but remains focused on her training for the upcoming season. As fans eagerly await her future performances, the possibility of witnessing a historic sub-4-minute mile attempt by Kipyegon and a team of pacemakers remains an exciting prospect for the world of track and field.