Goodbye Greg: MK long jumper competes for the final time

Greg Rutherford in his final competition in Birmingham Credit: Press Association

Milton Keynes long jumper Greg Rutherford has competed for the very last time.

And while he was not able to go out in a blaze of glory, the former Olympic champion ended the final arena event of his career with a smile.

Rutherford has been plagued by injury in recent years - with his ankle a particular problem this season.

That prevented him competing in the recent European championships in Berlin- something he won in both 2014 and 2016.

Greg Rutherford in his final competition in Birmingham Credit: Press Association

But, despite still not being at his best, the 31-year-old was determined to put in a final effort at the Grand Prix in Birmingham this weekend.The Milton Keynes athlete was visibly uncomfortable as he took just three of a possible six jumps during the competition.

His top distance of 7.43m was more than a metre off his career best of 8.51m and saw him come last in a field of eight jumpers.

But he was smiling by the end as he signed autographs for fans, posed for photographs and was presented with a montage of photographs from his career.

Ahead of today's competition, Rutherford warned followers on Twitter he was finding it "all a bit emotional" as he headed into retirement.

Greg Rutherford was presented with a montage of some of his best moments Credit: Press Association