Alexandersson has been the dominant force in orienteering, claiming 11 successive world crowns, including two in Denmark.

But the Swede’s hopes of a Danish hat-trick and 18th gold medal in her glittering career were dashed following an error-strewn display in Vejle.

Alexandersson made two mistakes on the course as she finished down in sixth position, opening the door for a new winner.

Carter Davies seized her opportunity, claiming the title in 14min 22sec.

Switzerland’s Simona Aebersold of Switzerland came home in 14:28 for silver, while Alice Leake joined Carter Davies on the podium when she clocked 14:40 for bronze.

"I was focusing on taking the right route choices and having an error-free run, and I made no real mistake," said Carter Davies.

Kasper Harlem Fosser bounced back from the injury that forced him to miss the knockout sprint competition to claim the men’s sprint title.

The Norwegian proved too strong for the rest of the field, finishing in an impressive 13:56.

Gustav Bergman of Sweden claimed silver in 14:12, while Yannick Michiels of Belgium bagged bronze following a disqualification.

Britain’s Kristian Jones had finished third but was disqualified for missing control 12, meaning Yannick Michiels, who clocked 14:20, was promoted to win Belgium's first world medal.

The competition brought to an end the first-ever sprint version of the World Orienteering Championships.

"We are proud to have shown orienteering excitingly and presently in some fantastic settings," said Poul Kristian Mouritsen, head of the Danish Orienteering Federation.

"There have been many who were not orienteering runners, and it is our impression that they had an epic experience.

"The intensity, the speed, and the runners.

"The ability to find your way at high speed have fascinated many who do not know about orienteering.

"We, naturally, hope it will promote orienteering and more people will try a sport where the brain and heart must work equally hard to succeed."

Sport Event Denmark contributed in the bidding process as well as the planning and participated in staging the event.

"There is no doubt that we have experienced a perfect match," said Lars Lundov, director of Sport Event Denmark.

"Vejle, Kolding, and Fredericia delivered beautiful and challenging World Championships courses, and the recreational runners also had a fantastic experience.

"I noticed that the many volunteers were well dressed for the tasks and got to put faces on Denmark as host."