Brief Introduction of Greg Rutherford
Gregory James Rutherford, MBE, is a retired British track and field athlete who specialized in the long jump. He is celebrated as one of the most successful athletes in British history, having achieved a “Grand Slam” of major titles by winning gold in the long jump at the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships, and Commonwealth Games. His crowning moment came during the London 2012 Olympic Games on what became known as “Super Saturday,” where he, alongside fellow British athletes Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah, won a gold medal in front of an ecstatic home crowd. Rutherford’s impressive career also includes a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and holding the British record for the long jump. Since retiring from athletics, he has remained a public figure, participating in television shows, engaging in media work, and even trying his hand at bobsleigh.
Greg Rutherford Overview
| Full Name | Gregory James Rutherford |
| Date of Birth | 17 November 1986 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 39 |
| Birthplace | Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Profession | Retired Track and Field Athlete, Media Personality |
| Husband/Wife | Engaged to Susie Verrill |
| Family | Partner: Susie Verrill, Children: Milo, Rex, and Daphne |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | In a long-term relationship with Susie Verrill since 2012 |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Greg Rutherford
Gregory James Rutherford was born on November 17, 1986, in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England. He grew up in a sporting family; his great-grandfather, Jock Rutherford, was a professional footballer who played for Newcastle United and earned 11 caps for England. His grandfather also played for Arsenal. Rutherford attended Two Mile Ash Primary School and later Denbigh School in his hometown. As a youth, he was a versatile sportsman, showing talent in several disciplines including football, rugby, and badminton. He even had trials with Premier League football club Aston Villa at the age of 14 before ultimately deciding to focus his ambitions on a career in athletics. This early multi-sport background helped him develop the physical strength and discipline that would become hallmarks of his professional athletic career. Rutherford was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, but has stated that he is now irreligious.
Greg Rutherford’s Career
Greg Rutherford’s professional athletics career began to take flight in 2005 when, at the age of 18, he became the youngest-ever winner of the AAA Championships in the long jump. That same year, he won the European Junior Championships, setting a British junior record of 8.14 meters. His senior breakthrough came in 2006 with a silver medal at the European Athletics Championships in Gothenburg. Despite his promising start, the following years were hampered by a series of injuries, including persistent hamstring issues, which tested his resolve. Nevertheless, he qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, reaching the final and finishing in 10th place. He continued to establish himself as a top competitor, winning a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
The pinnacle of Rutherford’s career arrived at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Competing in front of a home crowd of 80,000, he won the gold medal with a jump of 8.31 meters. This victory, part of the iconic “Super Saturday,” made him the first British man to win the Olympic long jump title since Lynn Davies in 1964. This momentous achievement transformed him into a national hero. Following his Olympic triumph, Rutherford’s dominance in the long jump continued. In 2014, he set a new British record with a jump of 8.51 meters. That same year, he won gold at both the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the European Athletics Championships in Zürich.
In 2015, he completed his collection of major titles by winning the World Championships in Beijing with a jump of 8.41 meters. This victory made him only the fifth British athlete in history to hold Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth titles simultaneously. He also secured the IAAF Diamond League title in 2015, completing a clean sweep of all available major titles. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he added a bronze medal to his collection with a final-round jump of 8.29 meters. After struggling with recurring ankle injuries, Rutherford announced his retirement from athletics in 2018. Post-retirement, he has remained in the public eye, winning the 2019 edition of ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ and participating in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. He also pursued a new sporting challenge, training with the Great Britain bobsleigh squad in an attempt to qualify for the Winter Olympics, though the team ultimately did not make it.
Greg Rutherford Personal Life & Family
Greg Rutherford is in a long-term relationship with his fiancée, Susie Verrill, a content creator who focuses on fashion, lifestyle, and parenting. The couple began their relationship in 2012 and are engaged, though they had to postpone their planned wedding in May 2023 due to a family bereavement. Together, they have three children: two sons, Milo (born in 2014) and Rex (born in 2017), and a daughter, Daphne (born in 2021). Rutherford has spoken about the importance of family and his desire to make his children proud. He has also been open about the challenges of parenting, including one of his children being diagnosed with autism, choosing not to disclose which child to protect their privacy. The family resides in Woburn Sands, on the outskirts of Milton Keynes. Rutherford is a passionate supporter of Manchester United Football Club. He is also an Athlete Ambassador for the global sport for development charity, Right To Play.
Awards and Achievements of Greg Rutherford
- MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to athletics (2013)
- Olympic Games, Long Jump: Gold (London 2012), Bronze (Rio de Janeiro 2016)
- World Athletics Championships, Long Jump: Gold (Beijing 2015)
- European Athletics Championships, Long Jump: Gold (Zürich 2014), Gold (Amsterdam 2016), Silver (Gothenburg 2006)
- Commonwealth Games, Long Jump: Gold (Glasgow 2014), Silver (Delhi 2010)
- IAAF Diamond League, Long Jump: Winner (2015)
- European Junior Championships, Long Jump: Gold (2005)
- Celebrity MasterChef Champion (2019)
- Holder of the British outdoor long jump record (8.51m)
- Holder of the British indoor long jump record (8.26m)
Greg Rutherford Net Worth and Income
The specific net worth of Greg Rutherford as of 2025 is not publicly disclosed. His income throughout his career was derived from his success as a professional athlete, including prize money, sponsorships, and endorsements. Since retiring from athletics, his income sources have diversified to include media appearances, public speaking engagements, and participation in reality television shows such as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘Celebrity MasterChef’. He has also engaged in brand partnerships and influencer marketing.
Legacy and Influence
Greg Rutherford’s legacy is firmly cemented as one of Great Britain’s all-time greatest track and field athletes. His victory at the London 2012 Olympics on “Super Saturday” is an iconic moment in British sporting history, inspiring a new generation of athletes. He is one of a very small group of athletes to have held the “Grand Slam” of major titles simultaneously, showcasing his remarkable consistency and ability to perform at the highest level. Beyond his medal haul, Rutherford is known for his resilience in overcoming numerous injuries throughout his career. In his home town of Milton Keynes, his achievements are commemorated with an 8-meter tall “Leaping Man” statue, unveiled in 2014. After his retirement, he has continued to be an influential figure, promoting family fitness and an active lifestyle through his media work and social media presence.
Interesting Facts about Greg Rutherford
- Before specializing in athletics, he had trials for the Premier League football team Aston Villa.
- His great-grandfather, Jock Rutherford, was a footballer who played for England.
- He won ‘Celebrity MasterChef’ in 2019.
- A large metal statue called the “Leaping Man” was erected in his honor in Milton Keynes in 2014.
- In 2015, he became one of only five British athletes to hold Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth titles at the same time.
- A post box in Milton Keynes was painted gold to commemorate his 2012 Olympic gold medal.
- He competed on the 14th series of the popular BBC show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Controversies
Greg Rutherford’s career has been largely free of major controversy, though he has been involved in a few notable incidents. In 2017, it was revealed that his former manager, Gaby Stone, had defrauded him of over £48,000 to fund a gambling addiction. Stone was subsequently jailed, and Rutherford stated the betrayal left him and his family under “severe financial pressure” and caused “emotional distress.” In 2015, Rutherford was vocal in his criticism of the new Great Britain team kit for the World Championships, which did not feature the Union Flag. He argued that the flag was a “crucial symbol” and that its absence diminished what it meant to represent the country. During his time on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2016, there were reports of a “meltdown” after receiving criticism from the judges, with claims he threatened to quit the show. Rutherford later denied these claims, stating he was just sad and talking with his dance partner.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: 200K+ followers
- Twitter: Information not disclosed
- YouTube: Information not disclosed
Final Words about Greg Rutherford
Greg Rutherford remains a beloved figure in British sport and public life. Having retired from competitive athletics in 2018, his legacy is not just defined by the plethora of gold medals and records, but also by his charismatic personality and resilience. He has successfully transitioned from an elite athlete to a multifaceted media personality, embracing new challenges and sharing his life as a dedicated family man with the public. Whether it’s competing on the dance floor, showcasing his culinary skills, or advocating for an active family lifestyle, Rutherford continues to engage and inspire. His journey from a multi-talented young sportsman in Milton Keynes to an Olympic champion and national treasure serves as a powerful testament to dedication, perseverance, and the ability to capture a nation’s heart.
