Bridging the gap: integrating physiology, strength and innovation to enable a women’s sub-4 minute mile

Abstract

This Letter explores the physiological, biomechanical and strategic factors underpinning the possibility of a woman running a mile in under 4 min — a barrier historically viewed as symbolic and physiologically prohibitive. Drawing on recent projections, we examine the interplay between aerobic power, anaerobic work capacity, neuromuscular coordination and mechanical efficiency, highlighting how targeted strength training, tendon stiffness, and reactive force development may contribute to bridging the remaining 7.65 s gap (6.42 in a non-official recently made record). The discussion integrates advancements in pacing strategies, oxygen uptake kinetics and footwear technology, alongside sociocultural and institutional enablers. We argue that individualised long-term development models, supported by data-driven monitoring and sex-specific interventions, are critical to this pursuit. Far from a speculative goal, the sub-4 min mile for women now stands as a strategically actionable target. Today, this endeavour is strongly supported by several scientific studies and concepts, but its realisation will require a convergence of current knowledge with the preparation, training organisation and belief that enabled Bannister’s breakthrough in 1954.