Great Britain's Greg Rutherford Withdraws from London Muller Anniversary Games with Injury

By Adam Kopet, DyeStat Editor

Greg Rutherford is the reigning world champion in the long jump, but his attempt to defend his IAAF World Outdoor Championships title is in doubt after injury has marred the first half of his season.

The BBC has reported that Rutherford, 30, has withdrawn from Sunday's Muller Anniversary Games in London, the eighth stop of the Diamond League series.

Rutherford's most recent injury is related to an ankle ligament. He first suffered an ankle injury at a May meet in Italy.

"Obviously this isn't ideal, but I am doing everything to give myself the best chance of success at the World Championships in London," Rutherford said in a statement on social media.

In addition to winning the world title for Great Britain in 2015, Rutherford also won gold at the 2012 Olympics and captured bronze at the 2016 Olympics. He also has multiple medals from European and Commonwealth Championships.