'˜Gutted' Rutherford heartbroken with bronze
The 29-year-old 2012 champion won bronze in Rio, jumping 8.29m - 2cm shy of his distance for gold in London four years ago.
American Jeff Henderson took gold with a jump of 8.38m, ahead of South African Luva Manyonga (8.37m) in an epic final.
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“I never thought in my career I’d be disappointed with a bronze medal, but I’m gutted,” he said.
“I feel like I’ve been shaped to jump a long way, and it’s disappointing when you come away from something and think you’ve not done yourself justice.
“I didn’t see anyone out there who was unbeatable tonight. I’m glad when I was in a bad position down in fourth I could get myself a medal but I came here to win, not come third.
“It’s very frustrating. I gave it everything I had in that last round and to take it back, but it just wasn’t to be tonight. I guess two Olympic medals in a career isn’t that bad, but I really wanted to retain that title tonight.
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“I spend so much time away from my family and that’s really difficult. I wanted to go home and make them proud.
“For me, I set myself up to win these things. I know everyone at home will be proud, but I wanted to bring home the gold medal. I’m sorry it wasn’t a win, you’ll have to settle for a medal I’m afraid.”