Panama's Saladino wins historic long jump

OSAKA, Japan, Aug 30 (Reuters) Irving Saladino claimed Panama's first world championship gold medal with a dramatic last-gasp victory in the men's long jump today.

Saladino took the gold medal with the final leap of the competition in Osaka, soaring 8.57 metres to extend his winning streak to 16, his 23rd victory in his last 25 outings.

Italy's European champion Andrew Howe had to settle for silver after believing he had done enough to win with his final attempt of 8.47 just minutes earlier.

''Howe's last jump fired me up and gave me extra energy,'' Saladino told reporters. ''Then when I nailed my last one it felt like I was having an out of body experience.

''I was very worried after Howe's jump. On my last jump I thought I was coming in too fast so tried to put the brakes on a bit.

''I'm so proud to win gold for Panama. That was the biggest jump of my life.'' Howe had beaten Saladino's third-round jump of 8.46 and celebrated what he thought would be the gold medal by tearing his shirt off and roaring: ''I'm the best! I'm the best!'' Saladino was forced to wait for the women's 400 metres hurdles medals ceremony to finish before he was given clearance to hurtle down the runway for his final attempt.

But the 24-year-old, who displayed none of the posturing or whooping antics of his rivals, dealt superbly with the pressure to pull out a new personal best.

Howe took defeat graciously, joining Saladino to do a lap of honour together draped in their national flags.

''I have no words,'' smiled Howe. ''I couldn't ask for more. It's a new personal best and Italian record. I knew Irving was going to come out with a crazy jump so I'm happy to come out with silver.'' Olympic champion Dwight Phillips took bronze with a best effort of 8:30, the American falling short in his bid for a third successive world title.

Panama's only previous podium finishes at a major championships were Lloyd LaBeach's two bronze medals in the 100 and 200 metres at the 1948 Olympics in London.

Saladino's win was watched by Olympic great Carl Lewis and world record holder Mike Powell, who set his mark of 8.95 metres after an epic duel with his fellow American at the 1991 world championships in Tokyo.

Reuters BJR GC2204