Nestor Jacono marches behind Malta flag-bearer Alfred Zammit Cutajar during the opening ceremony of the 1948 London Olympics.

Nestor Jacono, Malta’s first Olympian, died on Sunday, aged 89.

Jacono competed in the 100 metres (then yards) event at the first post-war Olympic Games, held in London in 1948.

Organised so soon after the end of hostilities, Jacono was greeted with continuous cheers and clapping accompanied by shouts of ‘Brave Malta’ as, together with flag-bearer Alfred Zammit Cutajar, he proudly walked behind the Maltese flag around the Wembley Stadium track during the opening ceremony.

Born in 1925, Jacono received his eduction at St Edward’s College.

From an early age, he showed great promise in sport especially, athletics. He was unbeatable in the 100 yards not only during his college days but eventually in the national championships.

After leaving school, Jacono continued to train hard, going on to become Malta’s leading sprinter.

Although the Second World War brought all sports activities nearly to a halt, Jacono was determined to keep improving his national record.

After retiring, he set up the Pegasus Club to encourage and train schoolchildren.

He was later involved in the administration of sport in Malta as a member of various sports organisations and also served as general secretary of the Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC).

Jacono was inducted into the MOC Hall of Fame in 2005.

The funeral takes places this morning (8.45am) at St Gregory’s Church, Sliema.