Rutherford going for gold again in Rio as he looks to leave his mark on history

Greg Rutherford will jump to defend his Olympic title on Saturday night, knowing he goes into the competition as the favourite.
Greg Rutherford will be looking to win his second Olympic gold medal in RioGreg Rutherford will be looking to win his second Olympic gold medal in Rio
Greg Rutherford will be looking to win his second Olympic gold medal in Rio

The long jumper from Milton Keynes touched down in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night ahead of the competition, and quickly settled into the Olympic village with the rest of his Great British team-mates.

Rutherford knows the pressures that come along with competing in the Olympics - Rio will be his third Games - and after London 2012, he knows what it takes to win.

But has never been to a Games as reigning champion, and that will only add to the aura around his performance.

Greg RutherfordGreg Rutherford
Greg Rutherford

Four years ago, he was part of the magical ‘Super Saturday’ which shot him to nationwide fame for winning gold alongside Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis.

Rutherford seems to thrive under pressure though. Since winning in London, he has secured the Commonwealth, European and World Championships, making him one of only five British athletes to complete the grand slam.

And after retaining his European crown earlier this year, he is leaving his mark not just as one of the best athletes in the country, but in the sport of long jump.

The final of the competition may take place in the early hours of Sunday morning, but there will be plenty of people from his home town staying up to roar him to glory again.

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