Greg Rutherford
The English long jumper who completed the rare 'Grand Slam' of major titles, leaping to Olympic gold in London's Super Saturday.
Born 1986 (age 40)·English athlete·Birthday: November 17·Millennials
Biography
Greg Rutherford's career is the story of a competitor who peaked when it mattered most. For years, he was a talented but inconsistent presence in British athletics, often plagued by injuries. Everything crystallized on one unforgettable night in August 2012. As part of Britain's 'Super Saturday' at the London Olympics, Rutherford soared to a surprise gold medal in the long jump, a moment of pure, explosive joy that captured the nation. That victory unlocked a new level of belief. He methodically set about collecting every major title, adding Commonwealth, European, and World Championship golds to his cabinet. This made him one of only a handful of athletes to achieve the 'Grand Slam' in a single event. Rutherford competed with a combative spirit and a showman's flair, his blonde hair and powerful jumps making him a standout figure in track and field until his retirement.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Greg was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Greg Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Greg's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Olympic gold medal in the long jump at the 2012 London Games.
- Completed the 'Grand Slam' by holding the Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth long jump titles simultaneously.
- Became the European champion in the long jump in both 2014 and 2016.
- Claimed the Diamond League Trophy in the long jump in 2015.
Did You Know?
He is a distant relative of the discoverer of the electron, J.J. Thomson.
He once attempted a professional career in bobsleigh after his track retirement, aiming for the Winter Olympics.
He co-owned a non-league football club, MK Irish, showing his passion for sports business.
He released a line of bespoke gingerbread men called 'Gregory's Gingerbread'.
“Super Saturday was just the start. I wanted to prove I was no one-hit wonder.”
