Khorkina became the first gymnast to win three world all-round titles when she pushed American Carly Patterson into silver medal position and China's Zhang Nan into third.

A former Russian Playboy centrefold, the 24-year-old part-time actress greeted the triumph in her own inimitable way.

But there was nothing enigmatic about the achievement -- just straightforward confirmation of her legacy as one of the greatest competitors in the sport's history.

"I was in the locker room washing my hands when I won," said Khorkina, world all-round champion in 1997 and 2001.

"I didn't think it was possible for me to win...But when I came out I found I had (the gold) and, yes, it was very emotional for me because it means so much.

"It was important for me to win because of what I could achieve, and because this is my last world championships.

"I know that a lot of people like what I do...and tonight I think I gave a lesson in gymnastics for many children watching me around the world."

Her performance was dramatic, as she recovered from a poor start to claim gold with 38.124 points after her fourth and final rotation on the floor exercise.

DECORATED ARTISTS

Patterson, who had led through the second and third rotations, scored low on her last apparatus - the vault -- and Khorkina, initially caught by surprise as she waited in the bowels of the Arrowhead Pond, was left to celebrate.

The closing chapter in her career -- one that has already brought her two Olympic golds on the asymmetric bars and a domination of the world championships since 1994 -- will be written at the Olympic Games in Athens next year.

But the gangly, 1.64 metres gymnast wasted little time in explaining how she became one of the most decorated artists.

"When I compete and perform I do so with my heart and I try to be full of expression," she said.

"I try to show everyone what it means to have expression and be a gymnast. Afterwards I feel so empty.

"But my (style) has been so important to my (success)."

Having achieved her goal at the world championships, Khorkina plans to indulge in her other passion.

Seeing herself featured in a copy of French sports daily L'Equipe as she entered her press conference, she said: "In here it says I am an actress.

"So after this week is over I will go back and do my job -- as an actress on the stage in Moscow.

"But first I want to spend time on the beach here (in Los Angeles)."