Nick Symmonds blazed an already hot track Saturday at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, surging on the final lap to post the best time in the 800 meters.

Frank Mungeam

Nick Symmonds used a powerful kick to post the top time in the 800 meters at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore.

Symmonds used the same devastating kick to go from nearly last to first Friday night to win his quarterfinal heat.

Photos: Symmonds blazes semi

Photos: Symmonds wows crowd in quarterfinal

The record crowd at Hayward Field cheered Symmonds like an adopted son.

Symmonds, 24, attended tiny Division III Willamette University but since college has been busy proving that college size doesn't matter. Symmonds placed second at the USA Nationals in the 800 meters in both 2006 and 2007.

By winning his heat, Symmonds automatically qualified for the 800 meters final on Monday.

Also: Kara Goucher wins 10K

More: Complete Trials News