Olympics Rio 2016: Jeff Henderson snatches long jump gold, Greg Rutherford takes bronze

ByBen Snowball

Updated 14/08/2016 at 02:15 GMT

Jeff Henderson conjured an inspired leap to snatch Olympic gold by a centimetre in the long jump as defending champion Greg Rutherford snuck into the bronze medal.

The American, who had previously struggled in major championships despite his obvious talent, soared to 8.38 metres with his final jump to edge an enthralling competition.

South Africa’s Luvo Manyonga had looked good value for victory after flying out to a surprise 8.37m, but he had to ultimately settle for silver.

Rutherford, who briefly held the lead in rounds one and three, improved with his last effort to earn third with 8.29m.

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Gold medal winner Jeff Henderson (USA) of USA (L) and bronze medal winner Greg Rutherford

Image credit: Reuters

However, he faced an anxious wait for a medal at the death as Jarrion Lawson flew out beyond his mark, only for replays to show the American’s trailing hand had skimmed the sand.

"I'm gutted," Rutherford told BBC Sport. "I came here to win but couldn't quite get it together."

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