Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old represented Great Britain at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games and has eight medals in all major competitions.
Following a serious injury to the left ankle, Rutherford has admitted that his imminent retirement is inevitable.
"I'm incredibly proud of my career. I've achieved so much but retirement comes early to those of us for whom sport is a livelihood," Rutherford wrote on his Instagram page.
"It only feels like yesterday I was winning my first major medal but now 12 years on, I sit here as the greatest long jumper Great Britain has ever had, one of the most successful in European history and someone ready to hang the spikes up for good. I want to thank everyone who's had a positive impact on my career. Most importantly, the greatest coach I could have ever wished for - Dan Pfaff. My full potential would never have been reached and that Olympic gold medal would never have been won, if it wasn't for his guidance and input.
"I'm going to go for the European Championships one final time. And then I'll also be jumping in Birmingham and London for the Diamond Leagues. If you fancy coming to watch me compete one last time then please do come on down and give me a wave. It'd be so great to finish with some roaring crowds. Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It's been a blast and your kind comments have always given me a push in the right direction."
Rutherford also represented Great Britain at the World and European Championships, and England at the Commonwealth Games.
Matthew Jones
