Great Britain's Jamie Cooke claimed his first-ever modern pentathlon World Cup medal - and he made it a gold.
Cooke, the former world junior champion, battled back from a lowly 24th place after the fencing to produce a gritty and spirited victory in Budapest.
Ranked number 40 in the world, the 22-year old produced the fastest swim, went clear in the ride and was equally unerring in concluding run/shoot. edging out Hungary’s world number two Adam Marosi by ten seconds.
British team-mate Sam Weale came home sixth to complete a successful weekend, following Mhairi Spence's bronze in the women's event.
“This was my first World Cup medal, so I’m so happy," said Cooke.
"I never thought I would do this after the fencing this morning, but I had a good swim, a good ride and a good combined. My shooting was definitely the key.
“Adam (Marosi) was awesome all day and I was definitely scared with him behind me at the end. I just ran as fast as I could.”
The performance left British team chief Jan Bartu purring, as he looks towards the forthcoming World Cup final and the European and World Championships later this year.
"This was a fantastic conclusion to the four World Cups this year and a good start to the Rio Olympic cycle for us," he said.
“It was an amazing performance by Jamie and a massive milestone. He seemed to be fearless in the combined event. It was the hardest World Cup this year, all the top athletes were competing here, but it all came together for Jamie.
“I was pleased to see two athletes finishing in the top six in the men’s final. It’s the first time I can recall that happening in my 15 years as performance director.
"It was good to Sam Weale return after struggling with a foot injury. He seems more relaxed and that was probably the best combination I’ve seen from him. He showed he has matured as an athlete.”
© Sportsbeat 2013