President William Ruto and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula have led the country in sending heartfelt messages of encouragement to Faith Kipyegon, as the world champion prepares to attempt a historic sub-four-minute mile during a high-stakes race in Paris.

In a statement on X on Thursday, June 26, 2025, President Ruto described Kipyegon’s moment on the track as one that transcends personal achievement, capturing the essence of national spirit and collective belief in possibility.

He praised her journey as a powerful emblem of determination, excellence, and the extraordinary potential of the Kenyan people.

“Tonight, when she steps onto the track, Faith Kipyegon will not only put to the test her strength, skill and training on the track, she will also affirm our unshakeable confidence that, with self-belief, we individually and collectively possess the ability to accomplish extraordinary things, for ourselves, for our nation and humanity,” the President said. “Faith, Kenyans wish you success.”

The Head of State’s remarks came hours before Kipyegon was due to compete in what could become one of the most defining races in women’s athletics.

Should she succeed in completing the mile in under four minutes, she would become the first woman in history to do so, earning global acclaim and a Ksh13 million prize.

Speaker Moses Wetang’ula also issued an emphatic message of support, saluting Kipyegon’s relentless pursuit of greatness and underscoring the deep pride she continues to evoke across the nation.

He acknowledged her as a beacon of grace and resilience, whose achievements have time and again lifted the national spirit.

“GO FAITH! Tonight, the whole of Kenya runs with you,” Wetang’ula wrote in his public message. “You have already made us proud time and again, with your grace, grit, and greatness on the track. As you chase yet another historic moment in Paris, know that an entire nation is behind you, cheering you on with every stride.”

He concluded with a rousing affirmation that mirrored the nation’s collective prayer for triumph: “Break barriers. Have Faith. Make history!”

Making history

The triple Olympic champion Kipyegon is on the brink of making history again as she gears up for a landmark sub-four-minute mile attempt at the Charlety Stadium in Paris on the night of Thursday, June 26, 2025.

The race dubbed Breaking4 is more than a pursuit of time.

The initiative, led by Kipyegon’s sponsor Nike, is backed by the newly launched women-only track and field league ATHLOS.

Kipyegon already holds the women’s world record in the mile at 4:07.64, set at the Monaco Diamond League in 2023.

She also starred in the inaugural ATHLOS meet last year in New York, where she ran 4:04.79 and pocketed Ksh7.8 million.

However, to break the fabled four-minute barrier, she must chop 7.65 seconds off her personal best—an immense challenge even for a generational talent.

“If I can break the record, then I will have cemented my legacy. It will give hope to women that if we dream big, anything is possible,” Kipyegon said.

While physically prepared, Kipyegon admits the psychological barrier is significant.

“This is a challenge whereby…you have to think of it. You have to think about how to cross the 800m mark. How to cross the 1200m mark? It’s a repetition of ‘I have to be myself’ and just think of how I will strategise to shave off those seven seconds,” she noted.