It proved to be a day to remember for the American team as Jonathon Lillis claimed the men's honours, denying Guangpu Qi of China a third consecutive world crown.

Caldwell became the first skier from her country to win a world title in the event since Nikki Stone achieved the feat 22 years ago.

The 23-year-old rising star blew the rest of the field out of the water with a formidable score of 109.25 points, comfortably beating Australia's Danielle Scott.

Scott, a bronze medallist in aerials at the 2013 World Championships, was forced to settle for silver having scored a total of 94.47.

China's Xu Mengato clinched the bronze medal on 91.65.

The result marked the end of an agonising wait for Caldwell at World Championships level as she had finished fourth in 2013 and 2015.

The men's event also provided thrilling entertainment for the crowds in the Spanish resort as Lillis, who only had one major international podium result to his name before this year's World Championships, landed a superb back triple-spin in the final to give him a score of 125.79.

Qi, who topped the podium in 2013 and 2015, could not match the performance of Lillis as he finished second on 120.36.

Australia's David Morris, a silver medallist at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, earned bronze on 114.93.

The event in Sierra Nevada continues tomorrow.