Greg Rutherford, the celebrated British long jumper who captured the nation's heart during London 2012, has embarked on a remarkable new career path following his retirement from competitive athletics. The Olympic champion, who turned 39 recently, has navigated significant personal challenges while establishing himself as a wellness entrepreneur.
From Super Saturday to career crossroads
Rutherford secured his place in British sporting history during that unforgettable Super Saturday at the London 2012 Olympics, where he won gold alongside teammates Jessica Ennis-Hill and Mo Farah as Team GB celebrated six gold medals in a single day. His achievements didn't stop there - he added a bronze medal at Rio 2016 and achieved the rare distinction in 2015 of becoming only the second man ever to hold Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles simultaneously.
After retiring from professional sport, Rutherford transitioned to television, reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 and returning to competitive performance in 2024 as a contestant on Dancing on Ice. However, his post-athletic career took a dramatic turn when disaster struck during rehearsals for the Dancing on Ice final.
Devastating injury and personal tragedy
During a rehearsed lift with professional partner Vanessa James, Rutherford suffered a catastrophic injury that he later described as feeling like "giving myself a C-section without anaesthetic." The accident tore all his abdominal muscles from the bone, requiring hours of surgery to reposition his organs and forcing his withdrawal from the competition.
As if the physical trauma wasn't enough, further heartbreak followed just weeks later in April 2024 when Rutherford and his family received the devastating news that their beloved dog Gus had terminal cancer. The loyal pet, who had been Rutherford's constant companion during training sessions and daily life, passed away mere days after the diagnosis.
"I am utterly heartbroken," Rutherford shared at the time. "Gus has been such an important part of our lives. For me he's been my training partner and best mate. They're never just pets, they're everything good."
Building a wellness empire
Demonstrating the same determination that propelled him to Olympic glory, Rutherford has channeled his energy into a promising new business venture during his recovery. In 2023, he joined forces with fellow Olympian Andrew Steele to purchase Aila, a premium matcha-based superfood company.
The company specialises in plant-based, all-natural blends designed as healthier alternatives to artificial pre-workout supplements. Their products combine matcha, beetroot, spirulina and other superfoods to provide sustained energy and focus.
As co-CEOs, Rutherford and Steele had been exploring opportunities in the natural nutrition sector for some time before discovering Aila, which impressed them with its taste and market positioning as a direct-to-consumer wellness brand.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Rutherford maintains a strong family life with long-term partner Susie Verrill and their three children: Milo, Rex and Daphne. The couple revealed in 2023 that one of their sons had received an autism diagnosis, adding another dimension to their family journey.
Rutherford's story continues to inspire, proving that even Olympic champions face profound challenges and must continually reinvent themselves beyond the sporting arena.
