Neville dives at the finish to secure U.S. sweep in 400

Although he couldn't run for the Hoosiers that year, he represented the school as a percussionist in the marching band. Music might have come more naturally than track. Neville's mother, Judith, has a master's degree in piano performance.

He graduated with a music degree in 2007, then relocated to the Los Angeles area to be coached by John Smith, whose proteges have included Olympian champions Steve Lewis (400 in 1988) and Maurice Green (100 in 2000).

Neville is unusual in that the three fastest races of his career have all come in the far outside lane, where the runner can't see any of his opponents. He was in lane 8 in the U.S. trials at Eugene, Ore., and in lane 9 in Beijing.

Neville said he just ran scared.

"I didn't look behind, I didn't look back, and I just kept my eye focused on the prize that was ahead," he said. "That's why I have a medal around my neck right now."

He might add to his collection in the 4x400 relay. That race's semifinals are Friday and the final Saturday.