The win makes Tyler Christopher a medal threat for this summer's Olympic Games. (Getty)

VALENCIA, Spain -- Tyler Christopher earned Canada's first medal at the world indoor track in field championships in record fashion Sunday.

The 24-year-old from Chilliwack, B.C., won the men's 400-metre title in a Canadian-record time of 45.67 seconds.

Sweden's Johan Wissman was second in 46.04 while Chris Brown of the Bahamas was third in 46.26. Christopher was sitting third with 40 metres to go in the race before surging to take the victory.

Christopher earned US$40,000 for winning the final.

Christopher started in Lane 5 with arch-rival Brown to his immediate right. Brown went out hard on the first lap and as the runners broke for the inside lane after the second bend Christopher was squeezed back into third as Wissman also made a bid for the lead.