| RANK 1989 WORLD BEST PERFORMERS TIME | |
| 1. Paula Ivan (ROU) 3:59.23* | |
| 2. Doina Melinte (ROU) 4:00.89 | |
| 3. Svetlana Kitova (URS) 4:02.08 | |
| 4. Yvonne Murray (GBR) 4:03.13 | |
| 5. Yvonne Mai (GDR) 4:03.15 | |
| RANK 1989 WORLD BEST PERFORMERS TIME | |
| 1. Paula Ivan (ROU) 3:59.23* | |
| 2. Doina Melinte (ROU) 4:00.89 | |
| 3. Svetlana Kitova (URS) 4:02.08 | |
| 4. Yvonne Murray (GBR) 4:03.13 | |
| 5. Yvonne Mai (GDR) 4:03.15 | |