Rutherford focus firmly on athletics

OLYMPIC champion Greg Rutherford insists athletics is still his number one priority despite a whirlwind period following his long jump heroics at London 2012.

GOLDEN BOY: Greg Rutherford claimed long jump gold on a historic night for Great Britain in London

After taking time off following his victory on Super Saturday at the Olympic Stadium, the 26-year-old has enjoyed the celebrity lifestyle that medal-winning success inevitably brings.

But Rutherford is looking forward to getting back to his first love when he returns to training in the new year, and maintains he will not let his life off the track take over from his aim to jump even further.

“I’ve been very well managed and I’m enjoying what I’m doing, especially with giving talks about my Olympic experience,” said Rutherford, the joint British record holder in his event at 8.35m.

“Trying to get the celebrity thing going has been my entire focus recently so until I get back into training that’s what I’m doing.

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“I’m going to America in January to get into the sun and do some serious training, I’ really ready to get back to it.

“I enjoy this lifestyle but I enjoy training, pushing myself and jumping into sand a lot more.

“I don’t want to put a distance on how much further I can jump. I feel I’ve still got a lot to learn in this sport and if I become technically stronger, I genuinely believe I can have some huge jumps.”

Not content with his world-beating display in the long jump, Rutherford plans to focus on the 100m next season alongside the sandpit, with the aim of making the British 4x100m relay team.

He is also unconcerned about the prospect of facing Usain Bolt, should the 100m world record holder branch out into the long jump as recently hinted at by the Jamaican.

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“Bolt hasn’t actually confirmed he’s taking up the long jump, and I’m not worried,” added Rutherford, speaking at the BT British Olympic Ball.

“To be honest he might be quick but you need to have more about you than just that. You need to be able to take off as well and there’s a lot of people with long legs who can’t do that.”

“And I’m definitely not taking up sprinting with the aim of beating Bolt, Blake or Gay.

“I reckon I’m quick enough to get into the British relay team and maybe the odd individual event, possibly at the European or Commonwealth Games.

“If I can run the 100, compete in the relay and do some jumping, it would another few strings to my bow, which is always a good thing.

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“I’m not worried about spreading myself too thinly. All my training is based around sprinting, so it will help that side of my event, and the jumping part I’m luckily naturally gifted with.”