Greg Rutherford's British long jump record of 8.51 metres ratified

Greg Rutherford: Britain's top jumper back on form

The Olympic champion leapt 8.51 metres at a meeting in Chula Vista, San Diego, in April, but its legitimacy was thrown into doubt when his GB team mate Chris Tomlinson claimed it was a "large foul".

A YouTube video of the jump appeared to show Rutherford had overstepped the take-off board, but the sport's governing body in Britain said on Tuesday the technical advisory group on the ratification of the jump had recommended it to be declared legal.

The group, which included four IAAF-level officials, said in a statement: "Having considered all the available evidence the technical advisory group recommends that the record be ratified."

Rutherford's giant leap added 16cm to the record he had held jointly with Tomlinson.

In coming to their decision, the advisory group considered the field scorecard for the event, signed by a licensed USA Track and Field (USATF) official, the wind speed card, the programme/entry list and that the performance satisfied USATF rules.

Satisfactory response

It was also in touch with the meeting director, who it said "responded satisfactorily to a number of questions".

Having also examined the video evidence highlighted by Tomlinson, the group added: "In usual circumstances, we require a record application form and the appropriate support documentation.

"However, given the controversy generated via social media surrounding this performance, the group looked very carefully at the available video and photographic evidence and considered two points: 1. It was not an official video. 2. It was not taken directly in line with the take-off board."

The group said the video evidence was "inconclusive" so upheld the decision of the referee at the event.

Rutherford and Tomlinson competed against each other for the first time since the row in Manchester earlier this month, the former triumphing. Both insisted their relationship was fine.