Greg Rutherford has spoken about the “horribly painful” injury that caused him to miss the Dancing On Ice final almost two weeks ago.
The 37-year-old Olympian announced he had “effectively [given himself] a C-section” when he tore his abdominal muscles after sliding through the legs of professional skaters Brendyn Hatfield and Colin Grafton.
He withdrew on the morning of the final of the ITV show after being injured in rehearsals on 10 March.
Mr Rutherford shared the news on Instagram saying his “horribly painful” injury would be operated on “today” (21 March).
“I’ve been a bit busy and obviously just recovering from the initial injury before I had the surgery that I hadn’t got round to really talking about it,” he said, as he walked in the woods with his dogs and partner Susie Verrill, 35.
“Long story short, I leapt through the legs of Brendyn and Colin and managed to tear all of my abs as well as herniate. So I effectively gave myself a C-section.”
Rutherford, who was second favourite going into the final, also showed fans the moment he sustained the injury on the rink.
“It was horribly painful,” he added. “It needs to be operated on today and then I’ll be properly on the mend.”
The moment of the injury. Pic: Instagram
Susie Verrill posted a story of her partner Rutherford in hospital . Pic: Instagram
With the former long-jumper unable to perform with professional partner Vanessa James, it was left to Made In Chelsea star Miles Nazaire, broadcaster Adele Roberts and soap star Ryan Thomas to battle it out for the title.
In the end, it was Thomas, and his skating partner Amani Fancy, who were crowned champions of the 2024 series, for a dramatic warrior-themed routine and their interpretation of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s famous Bolero.
In his winner’s speech Thomas dedicated the trophy to Rutherford, who had been top of the leaderboard before disaster struck.
Rutherford congratulated the former Coronation Street actor on his “spectacular” win.
“Well done, brother, I’m glad I’ve got a friend for life in you,” he had said, adding: “He’s had his fair share of ups and downs during his process, so to come out winning is utterly spectacular.”
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Before retiring from athletics in 2018 due to an ankle injury, Rutherford won a gold medal in the long jump at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He also claimed bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.