If ratified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the performance by the 21-year-old at the Rock Norman Track & Field Complex would take 0.02 seconds off the world record that was set in 1998 – and then equalled in 2001 – by fellow US sprinter Maurice Greene.

"Great start to my career", the young sprinter tweeted afterwards.

Coleman, who finished top of the world 100m lists last season with 9.82, only turned professional last June, joining the Greene’s former management agency, HSI.

 He took two silver medals at last year’s International Association of Athletics Federations’ World Championships in London, in the 100m – where he finished behind team-mate Justin Gatlin and ahead of Usain Bolt – and in the sprint relay.

Making his first competitive appearance of the year, Coleman had hinted that something special was on the cards when he won his heat in 6.47, which is now the second fastest time run so far this season.

Coleman’s previous best was 6.45, set in winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association indoor 60m title last year.

He also finished third in the overall world lists over 200m last season, his clocking of 19.85 only being bettered by  Botswana’s Isaac Makwala’s 19.77 and the 19.84 run by South Africa’s Wayde Van Niekerk.

"I'm in disbelief," said Coleman's coach Tim Hall.

"This was his season opener - it was totally unexpected.

"We talked a little bit more before the final and like I always tell him, I said: 'Relax, no pressing and allow the run to happen.' 

"That was the result."

Coleman looks likely to be one of the stand-out performers at the 2018 IAAF World Indoor Championships that will take place in Birmingham from March 1 until 4.