KIEV (Olympics) – Ukraine’s basketball federation have announced the death of former Soviet Union captain Alexander M. Belostenny.

A European champion in 1979, ’81 and ’85, Belostenny captured gold at the 1982 FIBA World Championship in Bogota, Colombia.

Belostenny averaged 7.4 points in the '82 event and scored 10 in the 95-94 title triumph over the United States.

The Odessa-born star was in the Soviet sides that won silver at the 1986 and 1990 FIBA World Championships.

He was also a gold-medal winner at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.

Belostenny, who was living in Germany, was just 51.

According to the Russian media, Belostenny died of lung cancer.

The Ukrainian Basketball Federation said: “On behalf of all fans, we want to express our deep condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. The bright memory of Alexander M. Belostenny will always live in our hearts.”

FIBA