A day after dazzling a hometown crowd and a national TV audience, three runners from Eugene were still euphoric over their 1-2-3 finish in the finals of the men's 800 meters at the US Olympic Trials Monday night.

On a muggy, Monday night in Eugene, the crowd at Hayward Field went wild as three men wearing varying shades of green, came churning down the home stretch as hometown, half-mile heroes.

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Nick Symmonds crosses the finish line in the men's 800 meter.

Nick Symmonds, Andrew Wheating and Christian Smith, all Oregon-based runners, became half-mile heroes overnight with efforts that ranged from convincing to courageous. All three won births in next month's Olympic Games in Beijing.

Symmonds started the race conservatively, running most of the race's two laps in last place. Only when he reached the final turnaround did he slingshot into his trademark kick. He rallied from the back of an elite pack to claim victory and set a personal record of 1:44.10.

"It just felt amazing," said Symmonds. "I'd been holding back on my kicks in the prelims so I could conserve for the final, and when it finally came, I didn't even feel tired so I was able to just take off... and the crowd was amazing."

Photo Gallery: Oregon 800 sweep

And why wouldn't they be?

Symmonds began calling Oregon home six years ago when he became a student at Willamette University. While not known for turning out Olympic athletes, Symmonds says Willamette helped him hone his skills to achieve his dreams. While a Bearcat, he claimed four Division III national championships in the 800 meters and three in the 1500. After graduating with a degree in bio-chemistry in 2006, Symmonds began training with the Oregon Track Club in Eugene.

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That same year, University of Oregon sophomore Andrew Wheating took up the sport of track for the first time. The Vermont native had played soccer before that and said his coach thought he showed promise as a runner.

"Three years ago I was dreaming of the World Cup and being on the US Men's Soccer Team, and now I'm going to Beijing on the track team in the 800!" Said Wheating, who'd risen from second-to-last place to claim second place behind Symmonds in 1:45.03 on Monday.

And then there's Smith.

The Oregon Track Club Elite runner left it all on the finish line, including bits of his skin, to capture third place by a fraction of a second. His time, a stellar 1:45.47, also met the required Olympic A Standard.

After their triple feat, the trio took a lap around Hayward Field, each carrying an American flag. They stopped to hug family and friends and soak in the cheers they said had fueled them on to victory in the first place. Their next stop? Beijing, and maybe another impressive showing, hopes Symmonds.

"Usually they split up Americans so we can't work together, but I think getting an American into the finals needs to be our goal," Symmonds said.

But whatever happens in China, these men will always have Monday, the most unforgettable race of the trials and the most unforgettable fans.

"I'm so glad I was able to do that in front of my hometown crowd and along side my two best friends," said Symmonds.

More: Complete Trials News