Gabriela DeBues-Stafford becomes 1st Canadian woman to run under 4 minutes in 1,500m

Another day, another national record for Canada's Gabriela DeBues-Stafford at the Diamond League Finals in Zurich, Switzerland.

The 23-year-old became the first Canadian woman to run a sub-four minute 1,500-metre race on Thursday. Her time of three minutes, 59.59 seconds toppled the national mark she set just over a month ago.

The previous record, held by Lynn Kanuka, was intact for 34 years.

DeBues-Stafford is one of only two Canadians competing in multiple events at the Diamond League finals — Crystal Emmanuel is racing the 100 and 200 — with her next event being the 5,000 in Brussels next week. The Toronto native couldn't have started better, with her latest record also marking her sixth of the season.

She has also set the 5,000 record twice, as well as the indoor and outdoor mile marks.

On Thursday, DeBues-Stafford remained composed near the front of a slow pack before finally making her move with less than 100 metres remaining. Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands won the race at 3:57.08, with Germany's Konstanze Klosterhalfen third at 3:59.02.

WATCH | DeBues-Stafford runs historic 1,500 in Zurich:

Gabriela Debues-Stafford 1st Canadian woman to break 4-minute mark in 1,500m

5 years ago

Duration 6:25

Gabriela Debues-Stafford finished third and became the first-ever Canadian woman to break the 4-minute mark in the women's 1,500-metre race, with a time of 3:59.59.

Still, it hasn't always been smooth sailing for Canada's newest track star.

"Last year, my race nerves were out of control and taking away from the enjoyment of running," DeBues-Stafford told CBC Sports before the race.

"I was lost and unclear about what the future held for me, but I have recommitted myself to the sport and training seriously at a high level. I'm also not as timid making moves [in a race] and not second-guessing."

WATCH | DeBues-Stafford gushes over Canadian record:

Gabriela Debues-Stafford 'thrilled' with new Canadian national record

5 years ago

Duration 1:19

Gabriela Debues-Stafford reflects on becoming the first Canadian woman to break the 4-minute mark in the women's 1,500-metre race.

In 2017, DeBues-Stafford was hovering in the 4:03 range in the 1,500. Suddenly, just two years later, she can claim her status as the fastest Canadian woman to ever run that distance.

Last August, she left Toronto to train with British runner Laura Muir and coach Andy Young. Something seemed to click outside of Toronto, where physical and mental exhaustion stemming from her mother's death still lingered.

WATCH | 9 Canadians in contention at Diamond League Finals:

9 Canadians to watch at the Diamond League Finals

5 years ago

Duration 3:59

CBC Sports Anson Henry gives some background on the unprecedented nine Canadian athletes in the IAAF Diamond League Finals.

"I still get nervous but it's not the same as the loaded feeling I had when I tried to separate grief from racing. Running is just about races now," DeBues-Stafford said.

Now, it's on to the 5,000 in Brussels. After that, the off-season. But with the Tokyo Olympics looming less than a year away, DeBues-Stafford seems ready to contend for the podium.

This is paid content produced on behalf of Under Armour. This is not CBC journalistic content.