Greg Rutherford: From Olympic Glory to Broadcasting Success

Introduction: A British Athletics Icon

Greg Rutherford stands as one of Britain’s most celebrated athletes, having achieved what few in history have accomplished. Rutherford is one of only five athletes to win the ‘Grand Slam’ of Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles in the same event and the only one also to win the Diamond League. His journey from a young athlete in Milton Keynes to Olympic champion has inspired millions and continues to resonate with sports fans across the United Kingdom.

The Super Saturday Triumph

Greg Rutherford rose to international fame at the 2012 London Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the long jump, securing his place as one of Team GB’s most celebrated athletes. On ‘Super Saturday’ in 2012, he won his Olympic gold medal in the same session as Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah won their Olympic titles, the only time Britain has won 3 Olympic titles in one session. This historic evening united the nation in celebration and cemented Rutherford’s place in British sporting history.

A Career of Unprecedented Achievement

Between 2012 and 2016 Rutherford won the long jump gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2014 and 2016 European Athletics Championships and 2015 World Athletics Championships and topped the 2015 IAAF Diamond League rankings in the event. In 2015, he became the first British athlete ever to hold all available outdoor titles – National (British), Continental (European), Commonwealth, Diamond League, World and Olympic – at the same time. His personal best of 8.51 metres remains a British record.

Life Beyond Athletics

Since retiring from professional athletics in 2018, Greg has transitioned into a successful career as a broadcaster and motivational speaker. He has appeared on popular TV shows, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity MasterChef, captivating audiences with his charisma and determination. In 2024, Rutherford competed in Dancing on Ice, though his journey was cut short due to injury. More recently, Rutherford will be cooking live at the Good Food Festival at Goodwood Racecourse on Friday 15 August 2025.

Advocacy and Personal Impact

Greg Rutherford is a passionate advocate for physical fitness and mental health. He often shares his insights on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the importance of resilience through his social media platforms, where he has a large and engaged following. Having experienced a testicular cancer scare during lockdown, he has become an important voice for health awareness, particularly encouraging men to seek medical advice when concerns arise.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

Greg Rutherford’s significance extends far beyond his medal collection. Rutherford was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to athletics. His journey from young athlete to Olympic champion, and now as a broadcaster and advocate, continues to inspire future generations. For British sports enthusiasts, Rutherford represents the pinnacle of dedication, resilience, and the ability to reinvent oneself whilst maintaining a positive impact on society.