James Dasaolu doesn't leave Birmingham with a national title - but he leaves having firmly established himself among the world's top sprinters.
Dasaolu has been threatening to do something special for some time and he duly delivered in the 100m semi-finals at the Sainsbury's British Championships.
He clocked a scorching 9.91 seconds, moving to second on the all-time British list and becoming only the fourth Brit to break the ten second barrier.
He also moves fourth on this year's world rankings - behind Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell and Justin Gatlin but ahead of Usain Bolt.
However, Dasaolu didn't contest the final after cramping following his personal best run, denying the crowd the chance to see a showdown with Dwain Chambers - who ran 10.03 secs to claim a seventh British title ahead of Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who ran 10.08 sec personal best, and Andrew Robertson.
But he still hogged the headlines - only Olympic gold medallist Linford Christie has run quicker in British history, with Chambers and Jason Gardener the other men to have dipped below ten seconds.
"It's just good to finally crack that magical number and I'm so happy," said Dasaolu, who credits his switch of coach to Steve Fudge and recent move to Loughborough with his impressive form.
"I'm in a good place leading up to the World Championships in Moscow but I need to run this and quicker on a regular basis to challenge the best guys in the world.
"I'm not getting ahead of myself, we know that Mr Bolt will bring his 'A game' in Moscow.
"I got a great start so I knew I was on for something but I cramped afterwards. It was nothing serious but I didn't want to take any risks and run the final.
"Looking back on last year, I made the Olympic semis in London and I would love to go one better in Moscow and get to the final. Of course, once you make the final, anything can happen."
Chambers, now 35, will return to another World Championships and British sprinting - which has had some difficult times in recent years - finally appears on the up.
"That felt good and to be able to secure my spot was important," said Chambers.
"The major pressure is now off and we can just concentrate on keeping fit and healthy for the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games in London and for Moscow.
"I tried so hard (to dip under 10 seconds) this weekend. But, I had to be sensible and do the logical thing and qualify.
"For what it’ s worth, I think it’s fantastic that James (Dasaolu) has been able to do that time. It’s helped motivate me even further to want to run. It also bodes well for our relays."
Asha Philip ran the qualifying time to win the women's 100m title in a personal best 11.20 secs ahead of Anna Lewis and Desiree Henry, who one year ago was selected as one of the young athletes to light the London 2012 flame.
"An A standard, personal best and a win, I don’t know what more I could ask - everything was perfect," said Philip.
"Hopefully there’ll be another PB in Moscow. I’ve been running PB’s all year. I’ve been out for so long, so to come back injury free and run PB’s, it’s like the heavens have opened for me."
Tiffany Porter claimed the 100m hurdles title as expected in 12.68 secs while Chris Tomlinson took the men's long jump in the absence of injured Olympic champion Greg Rutherford - his winning leap 8.03m metres.
Meanwhile, Christine Ohuruogu, a world champion in Osaka five years ago, insists she is brimming with confidence after winning the 400m title.
"It feels nice to win domestically, now I can go tackle the guys abroad," she said.
"It is always a good field and sometimes when you’re so used to running the global events sometimes you can view the domestic events less highly but you always have to work hard regardless and never let your guard down."
© Sportsbeat 2013