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Tokyo Olympian and Canadian record holder in seven events, Gabriela DeBues-Stafford, appears ready for a big 2022 season.
For the sport of athletics, the only competitive environment that is as strong as the Olympic Games is the World Athletics Championships, which are happening this July in Eugene, Oregon. The meet will start July, 15, and the newly adopted resident of Victoria, BC appears ready for another record-breaking season.
DeBues-Stafford, who owns a personal best in the 1500m distance of 3:56.12, opened the season with a controlled 4:03.20 performance at the Sound Running meet in Los Angeles on May 6. She wanted a fast finish and to get used to the feel of racing and employing tactics. According to the 26-year-old, there will be no more of that, as she seems to be in great form and ready to “go for it,” in the big leagues at the Eugene and Rome Diamond League meets coming up on May 28 and June 9, respectively.
“I am really excited by the kind of place I am at fitness-wise and mentally, I am just feeling really good and excited and hungry,” said the Toronto native. “Which is huge (and happy of course), and I definitely think that I can be in PB shape again this year, which is exciting. And, yeah, I think I am already in that four-flat, sub-four range. I did another key 1500m workout this past Tuesday. After a base block, we are now doing more 1500m type work again. So, I am excited after all that strength work to sharpen up and see what we can do.”
