Greg Rutherford: 'The crowds were just the lift I needed'
Greg Rutherford has described the crowd in the Olympic Stadium as, "absolutely fantastic for what they're doing - getting behind ever single Brit out there.
Speaking to BBC News the Olympic champion said, "it was absolutely amazing. I'm fortunate enough to compete in front of some big crowds. But to get out there and have 80,000 people behind you, it was the lift I needed to win."
Greg Rutherford celebrates after winning the Men's Long Jump Credit: PA
Speaking about his pre-run preparation when he stands still and twitches his hand before heading down to the jump, he said, "it's just me concentrating, it's just me thinking, going through the motions of what I'm about to do.
"It's just making sure my body is ready and I'm feeling good and just keeping me aware of what's going on around me, but not getting too absorbed in everything else that's happening."
Long jump Olympic gold medallist hails "great night for athletics"
Greg Rutherford hailed a "great night for athletics" as he became only the second British man in history to win gold in the long jump.
The athlete from Milton Keynes - who calls himself the "ginger wizard" and enjoys baking in his spare time - delighted home crowds with a 8.31-metre jump in the Olympic Stadium.
Rutherford has become the first British long jump medallist since 1964. Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/Press Association Images
The jump was short of his personal best but still proved too much for his opponents.
His win came while Jessica Ennis was still basking in the crowd's adoration after her heptathlon win and helped Team GB on its way to a trio of track and field wins on Saturday.
The 25-year-old, who hugged his trainers in the stand after being crowned winner, said: "I knew I was in great shape.
"My team are incredible and I have the most amazing parents and beautiful girlfriend in the world.
"I've got a pretty good life, I cannot lie, and everybody has worked so hard for me.
"What a night for British athletics, three gold medals and I can't thank everyone enough."This is what I have dreamed of my whole life."
