Athletics at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Men's long jump
The men's long jump competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, United Kingdom was held at the Olympic Stadium on 3–4 August. Forty-two athletes from 30 nations competed. The event was won by Greg Rutherford of Great Britain, the nation's second gold medal in the men's long jump and first medal in the event since winning gold in 1964. Mitchell Watt won Australia's fourth silver in the event; Australia had never won gold. Will Claye returned the United States to the podium after a 2008 Games with no American finalists; it was still only the first time that the American team had failed to win the event in two consecutive Games.
Podium
Image: Greg Rutherford's distance after his gold medal winning jump (crop)
Gregory James Rutherford MBE is a retired British track and field athlete who specialised in the long jump. He represented Great Britain at the Olympics, World and European Championships, and England at the Commonwealth Games. In September 2021 Rutherford was selected as part of the British bobsleigh team but was injured during preparations to qualify for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Rutherford at the victory parade for the 2012 Summer Olympics
Rutherford competing in the 100 m at the Arena Games in Hilversum, 2010
Rutherford after winning the long jump at the 2012 Olympics
Pair of post boxes in Milton Keynes painted gold in honour of Rutherford