Fred Kerley was crowned men’s 100 metres world champion after leading an American 1-2-3 on home soil.
On the biggest night of his life, the converted 400m star turned Olympic silver into World gold by edging out Marvin Bracy and Trayvon Bromell in a time of 9.86 seconds.
“We said we were going to do it and we did it,” said the 27-year old Texan. “USA baby! I’m very proud.”
The trio secured the first American clean sweep in the race since Carl Lewis, Leroy Burrell and Dennis Mitchell monopolised the podium in Tokyo 31 years ago.
Kerley had come into the final as hot favourite after clocking 9.79secs in his opening race - the fastest heat in World Championships history.
But he got out of the blocks slowly and was only third after 85 metres, before turning on the afterburners to dip ahead of his two team mates, who were each given 9.88.
If that was dramatic then what preceded it behind the scenes at Hayward Field was equally so.
Rana Reider, coach to Bracy and Bromell as well as British star Adam Gemili, was cautioned by police for gaining unauthorised access to the athlete warm-up area.
Reider is under investigation by the US Center for SafeSport organisation for alleged sexual misconduct - which he has denied through his lawyer - and his accreditation has been blocked by World Athletics.
Security tried to usher him off the premises but he refused to leave and police then intervened.
A statement from World Athletics confirmed: “Event security discovered an unaccredited person in the athlete warm-up area.
“He was asked to leave and he refused. Police were immediately notified and went to remove him from the venue.
“When he observed police officers approaching him, he left the venue. Outside the venue, he was stopped by police and advised that if he returned to the venue he would be arrested for trespassing.”
British hope Zharnel Hughes failed to get out of his semi-final whilst Marcell Jacobs, who arrived in the States looking to add the World title to his Olympic crown, did not even start his, citing injury.
“A painful choice, I am forced to stop,” he posted on social media. “I am a fighter and this is why I decided to be in Eugene.
“Now, in order not to compromise the rest of the season by risking a more serious injury, I have to postpone the challenge. I promise, I will do my best to make you dream!”
