Rio 2016: US long jumper Jeff Henderson dedicates gold medal to his mom who has Alzheimer's

US long jumper Jeff Henderson dedicated his gold medal win to his ailing mother last night. 

The athlete bagged America’s 999th Olympic all time gold and described his medal as ‘like having a newborn baby'. 

He revealed his mother is suffering from Alzheimer’s and does not recognize him. 

And the 27-year-old champion, said: 

"My mum can't be here, she has Alzheimer's. When I place that medal in her hands, I'll be crying. 

"A gold medal is like a newborn baby. It's just lovely."

Henderson defeated London 2012 Olympic champion Greg Rutherford who had to settle for bronze. 

South Africa’s Luvo Manyonga clinched silver with a jump of 8.37m.