Greg Rutherford has 'two fingers' for critics

Newly-crowned long jump world champion Greg Rutherford has hit back at his critics, claiming that he has a "couple of fingers" for them should they doubt him again.

Having won Olympic gold in London 2012 by the shortest winning distance in 40 years, the 28-year-old has contended with suggestions that his triumph was a fluke.

He has since won European and Commonwealth titles, and became only the fifth Briton in history to manage a clean sweep of major victories by adding a world title to his haul in Beijing on Tuesday - an achievement that he claims should stave off his critics.

Rutherford, whose leap of 8.41m was enough for the gold, 17cm clear of his nearest rival, told BBC Sport: "That is a stadium record - it wasn't as long as it was at the last World Championships, which a few people will probably let me know about, but I couldn't care less.

"I think I could've jumped further. If there was more pressure on me I could have responded.

"I've finally done it when it matters - fourth time. If anyone has anything to say I might have a couple of fingers for them."

Daley Thompson, Linford Christie, Sally Gunnell and Jonathan Edwards are the other four Britons to have managed the grand slam in their respective events.