When Faith Kipyegon stepped onto the Stade Charléty track in Paris for her audacious Breaking4 mile attempt, Uganda’s Halima Nakaayi was right there with her not on the starting line, but in spirit, support and solidarity.
Kipyegon’s goal was as ambitious as it gets to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes.
She didn’t quite make it, clocking 4:06.42, a personal best but her bold pursuit inspired millions. And Nakaayi, cheering from the sidelines, was among the loudest voices of encouragement.
“Already we’ve seen people like Faith and Sifan [Hassan] do incredible things,” Nakaayi said before the race, beaming with hope.
“My message to young girls is: focus, be determined. Believe in your dreams and fight for them, the sky will be the limit.”
More than a fan, Nakaayi was part of Kipyegon’s support team, sharing in the nerves, excitement, and energy of the night.
After the race, she posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, praising the unity and courage that made the moment possible. She emphasized one word – teamwork.
The event itself was a spectacle. It featured cutting-edge gear from a 3D-printed FlyWeb sports bra to a sleek, drag-reducing Fly Suit.
Every detail was fine-tuned, from pacing strategies to weather conditions. Still, the elusive sub-four slipped away.
But in the attempt, Kipyegon may have achieved something greater. She reminded the world how far women’s athletics has come and how much further it can go.
“I wanted to prove that everything is possible, but only if you dare to try,” Kipyegon said.
That spirit of courage and camaraderie is what bonded Kipyegon and Nakayi that night. Nakaayi, known for her joyful dancing at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, was a symbol of celebration once again not for a record, but for a sister chasing greatness.
“Everyone has that one hidden talent they want to show the world,” Nakaayi joked.
“For me, it’s dancing, it helps me relax. But tonight, it was all about Faith. We were all here for her.”
