Irving Saladino became the national hero of Panama last night by winning his country's first Olympic gold. The world champion leapt 8.34m to clinch the men's long jump event.

Before his victory, Panama had only two bronze medals to show for. Both medals were won by Lloyd LaBeach in the men's 100m and 200m sprints in 1948.

Saladino said: "This is a dream coming true. It has been a long time coming for Panama, and I'm extremely proud to win this medal for all the people in Panama.

Panama's Irving Saladino competes during the men's long jump final yesterday. Saladino took gold. [Agencies]

"The Panamanian people have given me a lot of support. Who knows, maybe the president will do something to commemorate this medal.

"It was very difficult at the beginning because I still had pain in my leg. The pain was there throughout the final. After the third jump I thought I was going to win the gold," the 25-year-old jumper said.

Saladino was undoubtedly under pressure as he went into the final as the overwhelming favorite, after landing a huge leap of 8.73m in May. Four years ago in Athens, Saladino failed to progress beyond qualifying and the omens looked ominous when he fouled his first jump in the final.

But the reigning world champion pulled out jumps of 8.17 and 8.21 to get back on track before nailing his winning jump.

Khotso Mokoena of South Africa got the silver medal with 8.24, and Ibrahim Camejo won Cuba a bronze medal with 8.20.

Mokoena said: "I'm only 23 years old and this is my second Olympic Games. It's already a silver medal, so I'm very happy. I was grateful to win a medal."

The bronze-winning Cuban said: "It's great to win an Olympic medal. But I'm a bit sad because I know I could have jumped at a higher level. I was a little bit out of rhythm today."

Agencies