Not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when

Failure today does not mean failure forever. Faith Kipyegon has chipped away at the distance, pushing the world ever-closer to a female four-minute mile.

Former deputy president of Kenya reacts to Kipyegon’s four-minute mile attempt

Faith Kipyegon gave it absolutely everything

WATCH: Faith Kipyegon pays tribute to mentor Eliud Kipchoge

Faith Kipyegon pays tribute to mentor Eliud Kipchoge

Sir Roger Bannister: Middle-distance runner who achieved immortality with world’s first four-minute mile

The fascination with the four-minute mile started when Sir Roger Bannister broke the mythical mark all the way back in 1954.

While more than 2,000 men have since followed suit, Faith Kipyegon took womankind as close to that barrier than ever.

Here’s a deeper dive into the story of Bannister:

Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon misses out on four-minute mile but unofficially breaks own world record

Three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has failed in her bid to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes.

Kipyegon clocked in at 4:06.42 at the Stade Charlety in Paris, missing out on the fables mark but beating her own world record of 4:07.64 over the distance.

However, it’s a new time that won’t be recognised by the international federation due to the fact the Nike-sponsored Breaking4 event was unofficial, with the Kenyan athlete wearing specially-made “super” shoes to try and break the four-minute barrier.

Full report:

Keep the Faith!

The barrier hasn’t been broken… but we’ve edged closer to it!

Keely Hodgkinson: ‘She’s got aura’

“She’s got big strides and she’s got aura,” Hodgkinson said. “She gave it everything.

“I loved that she said if it’s not her, it could be someone else. It’s that important message that she’s opened that barrier, she’s left a legacy, whether it happens or not, people will think ‘maybe it is’. We’re going to work even harder to get close to it.”

Faith Kipyegon hailed as she enjoys lap of honour

The crowd is showing the appreciation Faith Kipyegon deserves as she rounds the Stade Charlety with the Kenya flag on her back.

Faces smiling, bells ringing, people inspired. Kipyegon has shown that the four-minute mile, while in tact, is not impossible.

Kipyegon: ‘I’ve proven that everything is possible’

“Exhausted,” Kipyegon said when asked how she was feeling. “I feel good that I tried. That’s why I came, to be the first woman under four minutes.

“I’ve proven it is possible, it’s only a matter of time. If it’s not me it’ll come to someone else.

“I will not lose hope and I will still go for it. Thank you for coming and cheering me. This was special, I was not expecting this many people. I’ve proven to the world that anything is possible.”

Yes you have, Faith. She might’ve missed out on the four-minute mile, but there isn’t a frown in the place. Dare to try!