In one of the parks where I run here in London, a blue plate that is in front of a track warns that Sir Roger Bannister trained there. The English value their own history and it is common to see mentions scattered around the city, in places where celebrated figures have lived or frequented.
For us who have trained “in kilometers”, the name of this Briton may not be familiar. But in 1954 Bannister got a feat that revolutionized the race and seemed impossible: a mile (1.609 km) below four minutes, an impressive pace of less than 2min30seg per kilometer.
More than 70 years later, no woman managed to break this barrier. Now scientists guarantee that it is possible.
You can see this gender disparity in two ways. In general, men are faster, but there are infinitely less scientific studies exclusively in women when compared to males. This needs to change because it impacts nutrition and specific sports equipment, investments in general.
Even a phenomenon like Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge only managed to run the distance from the marathon in less than two hours in a project made especially for breaking the brand.
In addition there is the insecurity of running on the street at night or alone, which drives women away from the race, and the horrendous femicide deaths who victimize African rushes. But let’s go to the half -full glass.
It is from the feet of Kenya Faith Kipyegon, 31, who can come out the unprecedented feat. She owns the world records in the 1,500 m (three -time Olympic champion in the race), 5,000 ME in the distance of a mile. It ran the latter at 4min07s64 and researchers believe it can download the time to 3min59s4, exactly the same as Bannister.
It would be necessary to have a perfect scenario, such as planned for Kipchoge’s record. This means weather conditions, tennis, ideal track type.
The idea is to have four rabbits – corridors that help maintain the pace – two in each half of the race, one in front and one behind it to decrease wind resistance.
Replacing rabbits along the way, as Kipchoge did, is not allowed by World Athletics. It means that her brand, if beaten, will not be official. Using men either. But it would prove that it is physiologically possible. One of the researchers argues to have a totally feminine team and says the feat would help inspire runners worldwide that would overcome a mental barrier.
I agree, and there are more. Remember that sports equipment companies test and create running sneakers, clothes and accessories for elite athletes and then adapt to us mortals so we can enjoy this technology. In the case of women, this includes models made specifically for our bodies, sizes and shapes at a level of detail that, years ago, practically did not exist.
It seems that it is not yet known if Kenyan would stop the challenge. I hope so. If the attempt happens, I already foresee criticism that it would be a marketing blow, as a few have done with Kipchoge.
Trying to disqualify these athletes who have a superhuman talent is silly and only delays the evolution of the sport. Imagine a girl a girl, running around, comes across the sign: “Faith Kipyegon trained here.”
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