Rutherford’s legendary status is assured- he is one of only five British athletes to hold all four major titles simultaneously,
The 31-year-old is keen to win medals in a different sport now though and revealed his plans ahead of his Olympic Stadium farewell on Sunday.
“I’m not saying I’m going to move to track cycling and become the best in the world, but I’m going to attempt it,” he said.
“I asked what sort of wattage a decent cyclist would put out, I went to the gym, got on the wattbike and did it and more. So there’s the basics to do well. But I’ve never been on a road bike or in a velodrome – except to compete in a long jump competition in Vienna!”
Rutherford has taken inspiration from Rebecca Romero, who went from Olympic silver in rowing to track cycling gold in Beijing four years later.
He has also noted how Lizzy Yarnold transformed herself from a heptathlete to a two-time Olympic skeleton champion.
“I’ve always been keen to showcase that just because you are good at one sport it doesn’t mean that’s it,” said Rutherford, who in 2015 held the Olympic, European, Commonwealth and world titles.
“I have zero reference points to say I’ll be good at track cycling but I do have the raw ability to be successful. I have a lot of ability within my body to do things.
“My body can produce an awful lot of power. Maybe I should have been a cyclist and not a long jumper – we’re going to find out!”
Rutherford tried skeleton in 2014 and held talks with British Bobsleigh before a recent injury derailed that plan.
“Changing sports is something we shouldn’t fear,” he added. “I might be terrible, I don’t know, but I’m going to try.”
Before then is tomorrow’s long jump competition at the scene of his Super Saturday golden moment at London 2012.
Rutherford has not completely given up hope of defending his European crown in Berlin next month, but he is absolutely sure that the only world record he is going to threaten is for selfies.
“In 2012 the whole aim was to try and win the Olympic title,” he said. “This time I am going to try to give back to the crowd, take as many selfies as I can and sign as many autographs as I can.”
If he leaps eight metres and his body does not break in the process he will head to the German capital. If he doesn’t he will be reaching for his bike helmet.
Dina Asher-Smith also competes tomorrow in the 200m and is eager to run in the 100m as well as defend her 200m title in Berlin.
“I would like to be selected for both of them, my aim is to go and double up in Berlin,” she said.
“I’ve been really happy with how the season has gone. Last season was not an idea situation pafter breaking her foot]. This weekend it’ll be really good to improve on a season’s best in the 200m.”
Laura Muir will try to beat Zola Budd’s 33-year-old British record in the mile tomorrow while Zharnel Hughes and Adam Gemili will race in the 100m today.