By RJ Chavez
In 2012, 16-year-old Gabriela Stafford couldn’t imagine racing against the women she idolized and saw on her television screen during the London Olympics.
Now, five years later, many of the same faces she saw competing in London on television were shoulder to shoulder with her at the Prefontaine Classic.
“I was watching these girls at London never thinking I’d make an Olympic game, and suddenly I’m their competitor or they’re my competitor,” said Stafford.
New to competing at the senior level, the 21-year-old Canadian beat all her competitors Friday during the women’s national 1,500 meters, running a time of 4 minutes, 7.43 seconds, a season best.
“The race went according to plan,” said Stafford. “I just wanted to get out there and finish in the top three, and in the last lap, to give it all I had. And it worked out well.”
Running a final lap time of 1:03.93, the fastest among her competitors, helped her not only to pull away, but also to realize that she should be competing against these women she once idolized.
“This is the first year where I feel like this is my element,” Stafford said. “And I’m no longer looking at these women as my idols. Now they’re my competitors.”
Not far behind Stafford was Katie Mackey. After an impressive Bowerman Curve stretch, there just wasn’t enough distance for Mackey to catch Stafford, and she ultimately earned second place with a time of 4:07.79.
But not winning the race won’t make her lose any sleep, and that’s because this year isn’t all about winning.
“This year I’m here to have fun,” said Mackey. “And that’s what I’m doing.”
A year after considering retiring from track and field, due to injury and a discouraging sixth-place finish in the 5,000 meters at the Olympic trials in 2016, she now finds herself excited for her two upcoming events: the Portland Track Festival and the U.S. nationals.
“I’m really excited,” said Mackey. “I’ve raced a lot of the top Americans, but not all of us together in one race.”
Mackey is referring to the 1,500-meter race that will take place in Sacramento at nationals in late June.
“I think the women’s 1,500 will be one of the most exciting races at USAs, because of the depth,” said Mackey. “I feel like that really brings the best out of me.”
Stafford, meanwhile, will head to Rome in June for the Rome Golden Gala Diamond League event.
“It’ll be an amazing opportunity,” said Stafford. “I’m just going to stick my neck out and see what I can do.”
