Staehli and Philibert-Thiboutot take 1,500m titles at Canadian track nationals in Montreal

Julie-Anne Staehli unleashed a killer kick in the final 100m of Sunday’s 1,500m at the Claude Robillard track in Montreal to take the women’s championship in 4:08.83. Lucia Stafford finished second, in 4:09.61 and Mariah Kelly was third in 4:10.95.

In the men’s race, favourite Charles Philibert-Thiboutot took the win in 3:40.78, with Cameron Proceviat second, in 3:43.37 and Aaron Ahl third in 3:43.52. This was CPT’s fourth national title.

Keegan Gaunt took the Para women’s T13 title in 4:57.54 — a Canadian record.

RELATED: Mike Tate wins 5,000m Canadian championship

Julie-Anne Staehli for the win! She takes the women's 1500-metres in a time of 4:08.83.

Julie-Anne Staehli pour la victoire ! Elle remporte le 1500 mètres féminin en 4:08,83. #ACTrials21 #EssaisAC21 @jastaehli pic.twitter.com/OH8vS3dM27

— Athletics Canada (@AthleticsCanada) June 27, 2021

This was a big PB for Staehli, who had not raced a 1,500m since this same meet two years ago, where she ran a full five seconds slower. The improvement is no doubt due to her success in the 5,000m, in which she has attained the Olympic standard after several races in the U.S. this spring.

The times were not as close to the Olympic standards of 4:04.20 (women) and 3:35.00 (men) as the athletes were hoping, due mainly to a combination of extreme humidity and a blustery wind along the back stretch. Stafford has come closest of the three women, going into this morning’s race with a season’s best of 4:05.30. Philibert-Thiboutot came into the race with a season’s best of 3:37.08. 

Some of the athletes will compete again on Tuesday at La Classique, also in Montreal, for a last chance at qualifying for Team Canada.

For full results, click here. 

Competition continues today with the mixed 4x400m relay.