RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - Matthew Centrowitz produced a stunning gun-to-tape 1500m run on Saturday to claim the United States' first gold in the event since 1908.

Centrowitz, fourth in the London Games four years ago and twice a world championship medallist, timed 3min 50.00sec.

Algerian defending champion Taoufik Makhloufi added silver to second place in the 800m, in 3:50.11, while New Zealand's Nicholas Willis claimed bronze (3:50.24).

The last American to win the 1500m in the Olympics was Mel Sheppard in the 1908 London Games.