Oliver Hoare has become the first Australian to win gold in the 1500m since 1958 after pulling off a Games record performance in an emotional victory.

Hoare burst into tears and fell to the ground overcome with emotion after pulling off an impressive late charge to win gold in the men’s 1500m final on Saturday.

Throughout the race, Hoare found himself in the middle of the pack and managed to gradually move up to fourth position by the final lap.

After spending much of the final lap boxed in by Kenyans Timothy Cheruiyot and Abel Kipsang, Hoare made a late charge to come around the outside and pip Cheruiyot for the win by just 0.09 seconds.

Hoare’s finishing time of 3:30.12 was a personal best and also earned him the Games record.

The gold medal performance also put Hoare in the history books, becoming the first Australian to win the event since Herb Elliott in 1958, when the event was known as the 1 Mile race.

After the race, Hoare told Seven he dedicated the win to his late grandfather Fred Hoare, who was a life member of the Southern Districts Athletic Club.

“He is the reason why my family loves the sport, he’s the reason why I am here today,” he said.

“Pop, I know you’re watching, I’ll have a glass of red for you mate, that was a good one.”