Sporting Heroes Month: Greg Rutherford
In association with MaxiNutrition.
The world sat up and took notice of ginger gem Greg Rutherford when he won gold in the men’s long jump event at the 2012 Olympic Games – and since then, he’s become one of the UK’s most charming and beloved athletes. As a former Attitude cover guy, he was an obvious choice for Sporting Heroes Month. Take a look…
Top Sporting Achievement: Winning Gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London!
Better Half: Greg and his partner Susie Verill have a son, born last year. They also have a rather playful public relationship – only last week she took to Twitter, accusing her man of breaking her glasses with his ‘willy’. Oh my.
Best Attribute: There’s his angular jaw-line and beautiful smile, but hello: it’s all about the hair. GINGER PRIDE.
Sporting Quote: On winning the Olympics, he says “It was one of those fairy tales where everything came together when I needed it most. People said: ‘Oh, you came out of nowhere.’ I’d say: ‘Hang on – I’ve been jumping at this level for seven years and I’ve been a world top 10-ranked athlete most of my senior career.’ It was hopefully going to happen at some point. I was just lucky it came together in London.”
Special Weapon: Rutherford is about to launch his own clothing brand, Gravity with an apple for a logo referring back to Newton. He also doesn’t mind being called, the Ginger Wizard.
Style: Like other athlete’s Greg looks great in suits but also dons simple and casual shirts and jumpers.
Training Tip: “I train every day apart from Sunday with four key sessions a week. The other two sessions I can complete at home or in the woods behind my house while walking my dogs.”
In The Game: Known to some as the “lucky winner,” Greg is determined to prove them wrong and to win the Olympics in 2016 using skill – no luck required.
Wins:
2006: Silver at the European Championships (Gothenburg – Long Jump)
2010: Silver at the Commonwealth Games (Delhi – Long Jump)
2012: Gold at the Olympic Games (London – Long Jump)
2014: Gold at the European Championships (Zürich – Long Jump)
2014: Gold at the Commonwealth Games (Glasgow – Long Jump)
Attitude: A dreamer who’s laid back and carefree, “I want to be world champion – and retain my Olympic title in 2016!” Go for it, Greg!