NIKE DESIGNS NEW SPORTS BRA TO HELP FAITH KIPYEGON BREAK THE FOUR-MINUTE MILE

Inpreparation for Faith Kipyegon’s groundbreaking attempt to become the first woman to run a mile in under four minutes, Nike has unveiled an innovative performance kit designed to maximize her aerodynamic efficiency.

The collaboration, part of Nike’s Breaking4 initiative, features advanced technologies including a 3D-printed sports bra and a precision-engineered bodysuit. The custom kit includes a full-body suit, arm and leg sleeves, a headband, and specially designed running spikes all optimized to reduce drag and enhance Kipyegon’s speed. Currently holding the women’s mile world record at 4:07.64, the Kenyan athlete aims to shave off a critical 7.65 seconds to achieve the historic milestone.

Nike’s design team focused on creating the most aerodynamic running suit ever developed. “At top speed, Faith will reach 15 miles per hour (24.14 km/h), making aerodynamics a decisive factor,” the team explained.

The centrepiece of the kit is the Nike Fly Suit, a sleek, sleeveless bodysuit with a high neckline and strategic node placements. These tiny, half-sphere protrusions, some as small as a pencil tip, are positioned along the hips, neck, and calves to disrupt airflow, minimising resistance.

The term “slippery” was used by Nike to describe the suit’s ability to help Kipyegon “move through the air as effortlessly as possible.” The stretchy black fabric, combined with the nodes, controls air vortices around her body, significantly reducing drag.

A standout innovation is the Nike Flyweb sports bra, crafted using 3D-printing technology a first for Nike in high-performance apparel. Made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the bra features a seamless, single-layer structure that eliminates bulk while providing superior support. “This isn’t just about material, it’s about rethinking design from the ground up,” said Janett Nichol, Nike VP of Innovation. “We spent years refining the balance of flexibility, breathability, and precision fit to meet an athlete’s needs.”

Completing the kit are the Nike Victory Elite FK spikes, personalised with Kipyegon’s initials and an emblem of a victory goddess on the soles. The shoes integrate seamlessly with the rest of the gear to ensure every element works in harmony. “The entire kit is engineered to give Faith every possible advantage,” said Brett Kirby, Principal Researcher at the Nike Sport Research Lab.  Kipyegon’s sub-4-minute mile attempt is scheduled for June 26.