Greg Rutherford to retire from long jump at end of the season
By Matthew Treadwell
Last Updated: 13/06/18 12:04am
Olympic gold medal-winning long jumper Greg Rutherford has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
Rutherford won gold for Team GB at the London 2012 Games on 'Super Saturday' and was also crowned world champion in 2015.
The 31-year-old has been struggling with a persistent ankle injury, however, and he has confirmed he will call it a day after this summer's European Athletics Championships in Berlin.
"I'm incredibly proud of my career. I've achieved so much but retirement comes early to those of us for whom sport is a livelihood," he posted on his Instagram account.
"It only feels like yesterday I was winning my first major medal but now 12 years on, I sit here as the greatest long jumper Great Britain has ever had, one of the most successful in European history and someone ready to hang the spikes up for good.
"I want to thank everyone who's had a positive impact on my career (but I'd struggle to name everyone here). Most importantly, the greatest coach I could have ever wished for - @danpfaff.
"My full potential would never have been reached and that Olympic gold medal would never have been won, if it wasn't for his guidance and input.
"I'm going to go for the European Championships one final time. And then I'll also be jumping in Birmingham and London for the Diamond Leagues.
"If you fancy coming to watch me compete one last time then please do come on down and give me a wave. It'd be so great to finish with some roaring crowds.
"Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It's been a blast & your kind comments have always given me a push in the right direction."
