Mageean targets Zurich final after Brussels brilliance

Ciara Mageean always believed that she could set a new national record in the 1500 metres and described her victory at the Golden League in Brussels as "out of this world", as she broke the 27-year Irish standard, while knocking over three seconds off her personal best.

Sonia O'Sullivan’s 1500m Irish record of 3:58.85 has remained intact since 1995 and it took a remarkable run from the County Down athlete to lower the mark by over two seconds, posting 3:56.63 at the prestigious event.

"I’m absolutely over the moon," said Mageean, speaking on Saturday Sport.

"I knew I could go sub four for sure, which is always a huge achievement, and I knew that I’d have it in me to run a national record.

"So to go 3:56-mid was just breathtaking, it was out of this world. Crossing the line, I didn’t even see the time, I think I asked Laura (Muir) 'what time did I run?’ it was obviously brilliant.

"[The 1995 record is] something that’s been in my sights, and it was so lovely to share that moment with her (Sonia O'Sullivan), I had a good chat with her in the cooldown area afterwards.

"Sonia is a huge idol of mine and a huge inspiration in athletics, so it was kind of a handing over of the baton."

Olympic silver medallist Muir, who finished strongly to take second place, celebrated with Mageean at the end of the race and the Portaferry native said that she was great friends off the track with her racing rival.

"There’s great camaraderie among the athletes, obviously we’re all fierce competitors but I feel really fortunate in the women’s 1500 as there is so many lovely girls, and we all delighted to see each other do well.

"I’m really good friends with Laura, we usually sit with each other for dinner. I’m quite often the only Irish athlete there, so