World champion Christian Taylor of the United States won Olympic gold in the triple jump on Thursday.
Taylor produced a fourth-round effort of 17.81 for gold, bumping compatriot and world bronze medalist Will Claye into silver by 19 centimeters.
"It's an absolute blessing," said Taylor. "My family from America are here, my family from Barbados have come here and it felt great."
"I played this like another meet but the energy that 80,000 people bring is just phenomenal."
Claye said the U.S. one-two was good news, despite losing out on the gold.
"Me and Christian got a one-two. It can't get any better than that. Going against Christian is amazing."
"We've grown up competing against one another but to do it here on the biggest stage in the world is incredible."
Italy's Fabrizio Donata, an early leader, had to settle for bronze unable to improve on a fourth attempt of 17.48.
Still, he was happy.
"Finally the dream has come true," he said. "This result is great because of the pressure I was under."
