On the occasion, Campbell Wright clinching a shock silver for the United States, Reuters reported.

The New Zealand-born American finished 27.7 seconds behind Thingnes Boe, who won in 21 minutes, 56.8 seconds, with France s Quentin Fillon Maillet taking the bronze.

However, the day belonged to the 31-year-old Thingnes Boe, who has said he will retire after a glittering career at the end of the season.

Thingnes Boe was imperious on the course as he claimed his 21st World Championship gold, rattling off a quick-fire 10 hits from his 10 shots amid a lightning-fast performance on the skis to obliterate the competition.

Friday s swirling snow during the women s event gave way to bright sunshine and perfect shooting conditions for the 99 starters in the men s race, with each miss on the range costing them an energy-sapping lap of the 150-metre penalty loop.

With the athletes starting at 30-second intervals, local favourite Sebastian Stalder had the fans on their feet as he battled for the early lead with Sweden s Jesper Nelin, but with some of the strongest racers starting in the middle of the field, it wasn t to last.

A miss on the second shoot by 2024 champion Sturla Holm Laegreid cost him a place on the podium on a day when most of the Norwegian team under-performed, but Thingnes Boe spared their blushes with his brilliant performance.

Having made the switch from New Zealand to the U.S. two years ago, the 22-year-old Wright put on a blistering show to claim his first medal at the World Championships. Beijing Olympic sprint silver medallist Fillon Maillet was left to rue a miss on the first shoot that likely cost him second place.