Greg Rutherford wants to focus on his television career.
The retired athlete appeared on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2016 and has most recently been seen on TV show ‘Pilgrimage: The Road to Rome’, and he would love to explore other small screen opportunities.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Greg – who famously won a gold medal in the long jump at the London 2012 Olympic Games – said: "I definitely see myself on television in the future. I like to think I’ve got a lot more to give than just running and jumping in to a sandpit so hopefully this is a direction I can concentrate on and become more involved with.
"I find being in front of the camera really enjoyable and there’s so much scope topic-wise. I guess we’ll just have to watch this space!"
Despite Greg’s huge success in the sporting world making him an inspiration to so many people, he has played down the idea of being a "hero".
That said, his new campaign with LEGO City is looking to encourage children "to be the heroes of tomorrow", and he has opened up about the importance of play time in his own kids’ lives.
LEGO City is working with Greg Rutherford on the LEGO City Hero Academy campaign to encourage children to develop skills and their ‘hero gene’ – creativity, problem solving, teamwork – through creative play in order to help them succeed and become the heroes of tomorrow
He added: "Play is so important in my opinion. I’ve seen first-hand how LEGO City helps confidence and social interaction – it also allows parents and kids to play together, switch off and solve their own boredom. Best of all, it encourages children to use imaginations."
Greg – who has four-year-old Milo and two-year-old Rex with his partner Susie Verrill – made the decision to retire last year, and he has no regrets because of the time he now has for his family and other projects.
He said: "Being a professional athlete was important and you do have to be quite selfish. Being a dad is so much more and always will be.
"I’ve always tried to include my family – we’ve travelled as a unit since my eldest was born but being at home more regularly is something which makes me incredibly happy and appreciative.
"Bed times, playing LEGO City, reading books, just being aware of more of the day to day stuff is what I love."
Greg Rutherford wants to focus on TV career
