The Libyan sports community has mourned former long jumper champion Abdulsalam Muhammad al-Bashti, who died at the age of 66 in his hometown of Zawiya, west of Tripoli, on Monday.

Al-Bashti is best remembered as the first Arab athlete to clear a stunning 8.03m at a competition in Greece in May 1985.

He had reportedly fought the contest while he was fasting.

The former athlete was a winner of medals at several international championships.

In 1985 he clutched the gold medal when he flew out to a 7.67m leap at the Arab Games in Morocco.

The Libyan Olympic Committee extended its condolences to the family of Al-Bishti, who died after a severe stroke he suffered recently.