Ciara Mageean was almost lost for words after smashing Sonia O'Sullivan's 27-year-old 1500m National record at the Diamond League meeting in Brussels last night.
Mageean put in the performance of her life to take home victory against a world-class field. The Portaferry flier had been in excellent form coming into the event, winning silver medal at both the Commonwealth Games and European Championships in recent weeks.
On each occasion, Mageean finished runner-up to legendary track star Laura Muir. But last night, the roles were reversed as Mageean forced Muir back into second place, while at the same time making Irish history.
READ MORE: Sonia O'Sullivan pays tribute as Ciara Mageean smashes 27 year old 1500m record
"I knew that I had it in me to go under four," Mageean, who had never broken the four minute barrier before, told World Athletics.
"I thought I had it in me to get a new Irish record."
"It's never going to be easy to go a low 3:58 having never gone under four before. I knew it was there on my day. I didn't really fathom a 3:56, to be perfectly honest, so I am on cloud nine."
The 30-year-old replaced Sonia O'Sullivan as the fastest Irish woman in history over 1500m. The 2000 Olympic silver medalists record was set in 1995, when Mageean was just a toddler.
To be an equal to one of the best athletes in Irish history is a true honour for Mageean, and the County Down star's pride at being in the same conversation as O'Sullivan was clear to see.
"To be in the same realm as Sonia O'Sullivan, who is not only a renowned athlete in Ireland but globally – she's a name everybody knows – to be able to put myself up there and compete with her times and now to surpass them, it's something I've always dreamed of.
"That Irish record has been in my sights a long time. I’m glad I’ve finally been able to put my name to it."
The 52-year-old O'Sullivan had the best seat in the house as she witnessed Mageean's feat live in the stadium in Brussels. Yet, there was no sense of bitterness, as the Olympic silver medalist took to Twitter and heaped praise on the shoulders of Mageean after the race.
"Congratulations Ciara Mageean winning Brussels Diamond league 1500m and new Irish record," began O'Sullivan's tweet.
"Old record nearly as old as Ciara is young .
"Great to be in the stand to witness such a great race by Ciara who has had a great season and was not afraid to lose tonight"
Once the dust settled, Mageean herself also took to Twitter to comment on her monumental achievement.
"3:56.63"
"New Irish 1500m Record, and a Diamond League win"
"Pinch me, am I dreaming! #record #cloud9 #DiamondLeague #irishrecord"
Ciara Mageean smashes 1500m Irish National record at Diamond League event
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