The event was jointly organised by the International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM) and World Obstacle, following the decision at last year's UIPM Congress to approve obstacle as a replacement for riding as modern pentathlon's fifth discipline.

In the men’s race at the Orange County Convention Centre the top three competitors all broke the 32-second barrier.

Smith took the gold medal, with silver going to Asa Reynolds and bronze to Isaiah Thomas, in a US podium sweep.

In the women’s race there was also a US clean sweep, with gold going to Herman, silver to Emily Keener and bronze to Taylor Greene.

Competition also took place across men’s and women’s under-7s, under-9s, under-11s, under-13s, adult and masters categories.

As an Age Group World Cup, all athletes had to qualify during the recently concluded 2022-2023 season.

In total, 825 athletes qualified from 2,500 who competed across all categories.

Modern pentathlon remains off the initial programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics with a final decision expected at this year's International Olympic Committee Session.

The UIPM has argued the addition of obstacle to the sport can attract a new fanbase, tap into a mass participation base in obstacle and make the sport more accessible.

Critics have disputed the suggestion obstacle could lead to an influx of athletes and insist competitors are leaving modern pentathlon.

The UIPM and World Obstacle are due to co-host the Obstacle Course Racing World Championships together in September, with the event scheduled to be held in Genk, Belgium, from September 14 to 17.