In a duel that saw the Western Australian face off against the defending champion, the 26-year-old twice broke her national record (4.82m) when clearing 4.85m on first attempt, and once again on her final attempt at 4.90m.

As the women finished square, both unable to clear 4.95 after three attempts, officials offered the pole vaulters a choice of facing off once more or sharing the gold. In a scene reminiscent of the Tokyo Olympic high jump final, where Qatar's Mutaz Barshim and Italy's Gianmarco Tamberi went for the latter, Nina and Moon locked eyes and embraced as they decided to share their winning moment.

"When we were equal, we were both looking at each other. I didn't think she was going to want to share it. I said to her, 'hey girl, you maybe want to share?' You could see the relief come over her face, and she was like, 'yes!' and then we both started crying."

For Nina the gold medal represents her maiden world title following her bronze in Oregon last year. It is an eight-centimetre personal best as she becomes Australia's 11th world champion in track and field and soars to ninth on the world all-time list. It was also Australia's first pole vault world title since Steve Hooker in 2009.

"It is unbelievable. It's a huge honour to share this gold with Katie. It shows that dreams really do come true," Nina said.

"Last year I didn't really believe that I belonged on the podium but tonight I was going for gold and really, deep down, I believed in myself and came up with the goods.

"I have been planning the competition in my head for so many months now, it's such a battle. Katie is the Olympic champion, she's the world champion and she's honestly one of the greatest in the sport, so to share it with her is an honour and a privilege and will mean that we'll be connected forever.