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!