Panama's Olympic Committee (COP) Tuesday announced the election of long jumper Irving Saladino, current world champion, as the Panamanian standard-bearer in London 2012 Olympic Games.

In a statement, COP said the decision was taken in a meeting of its board of directors, during a course for handball coaches sponsored by "Solidaridad Olimpica."

Saladino's reaction was expressed via Twitter, where he said the decision represents a great honor for him.

"Although this changes my training schedule, my flag is first," added Saladino, who won gold medal in Osaka 2007 world championship and silver medal in Moscow 2006 world indoor championship.

COP added that if Saladino can't attend due to his training schedule, he will be replaced by 200-meter sprinter Alonso Edward, world runner-up.

Saladino, who won the first gold medal in Olympic Games for Panama during Beijing 2008, and Edward, were directly qualified to London, according to COP.

A total of seven Panamanian athletes will take part in the Olympic Games, in sports like athletics, taekwondo, judo, boxing and swimming.