ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (AP) — Christian Coleman broke the world indoor record in the 60 metres in 6.34 seconds Sunday to win his first US title in the final event of the USA Track & Field Indoor National Championships.

After winning his heat in 6.46 and his semi-final in 6.42 despite easing down, the double world silver medallist returned to the track to improve the previous ratified world record mark set by his fellow American Maurice Greene in 1998 by 0.05.

Coleman had run a world-best a month ago at the Clemson Invitational, but the mark was not recognized because electronic blocks were not used.

This time there was no doubt when he put on an extra burst about midway through the run, pulling away from former champion Ronnie Baker, who finished with a personal best of 6.40.

“I was just trying to come out with the win,” Coleman said. “I knew it would take something special with a great group of guys in the field and so I was just running to win. The world record was just icing on the cake really.”

Despite the record, he said there’s room for improvement.

“My start was decent but every time I feel like I got a lot of work to do,” Coleman said. “And so, when I transitioned and I stood up, I felt as good as I have ever felt. I kept running and saw that tape and got that line. It was a world record and it was pretty special. A pretty special race.”

When the time was posted, Coleman celebrated, raising his arms and bouncing back down the track.

“I just love this sport and it’s so competitive,” he said. “Either you’ve got it or you don’t on this day. And I love racing in the big races when everybody is watching. I just flourish in those moments. It’s not really my personality but when the lights are on, it just comes out.”