by Larry Eder
SAN DIEGO (USA): Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford says that now he has the British record all to himself he now wants to jump inside the top 10 all time, report
theguardian.com. That would mean jumping further than 8.66. But first up he would like to get over 28 feet (8.54). He will fly back to the UK on Tuesday and will compete next at the GreatCity Games in Manchester on May 17.
Greg Rutherford, courtesy of Nova International, CityGames 2012
(Editor’s note: Greg Rutherford made history with his history gold medal in London on Saturday, August 4, 2012. It was the first win by a British athlete in the long jump since Lynn Davies did it in 1964. Rutherford had won the 2005 World Junior Long Jump and was second in 2006 in the Europeans. In 2010, Rutherford won the Commonwealth Games.
But most were surprised by his 8.31m on August 4. That night, which would become known as one of the greatest in British Athletics, had Rutherford win the long jump, then Jessica Ennis win the heptathlon, then, Mo Farah win the 10,000 meters in front of 80,000 mostly British fans!
Greg Rutherford is jumping well again. Having recovered from injuries, Greg jumped 8.51 meters just last week in San Diego. The significance of Greg’s leap? Well, it is the world leader and it gives Mr. Rutherford sole possession of the British Long Jump record. Greg had shared the former record, of 8.35m, with Chris Thomlinson, since 2012.
Watch Greg Rutherford defend his Commonwealth Games gold this year, but watch an inspired Rutherford get into the top ten long jumps of all times. Rutherford has strong form, good speed, but, most of all, Rutherford knows what it is like to be on top of the world, as he was in 2012. He would like that feeling, once again.
My guess is, Greg Rutherford will get it. Watch for an 8.65 or better this season.
If you are lucky enough to be in Manchester next on May 17, make sure you see Greg Rutherford soar through the air with the greatest of ease. Maybe he will surprise you and go over 8.50 meters! )
