Rutherford ready to mix it with the best in Doha

From David Jordan, Sportsbeat, in Doha

 GREG Rutherford believes he is one of the world's premier long jumpers - and he is out to prove it at this week's World Indoor Athletics Championships.

HIGH HOPES: Great Britain's Greg Rutherford is keen to prove to the world he can mix it with the best in Doha (Getty Images)

The 23-year-old heads to Doha as part of a 37-strong Great Britain squad having booked his spot on the plane with gold at the World Trials and UK Championships in Sheffield.

Last year represented a return to form for Rutherford as he put injury troubles behind him by setting a new British record of 8.30m on the way to fifth place at the World Championships in Berlin.

And with a hectic athletics calendar throwing up the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games this year, Rutherford has vowed to start the season as he means to go on, with a medal in Qatar.

"I was really pleased with how 2009 went for me and when I look back on the World Championships I felt it was a real step forward," said the Marshall Milton Keynes AC athlete.

"I am feeling really confident about the World Indoors in Doha and about the indoor season in general. 

"I feel like I am capable of going to Doha and getting a medal now because after what happened in Berlin last summer. 

"Finishing fifth there has really made me think of myself as one of the best in the world outdoors so I feel confident that I can turn that into indoor form.

"If all the technical things that I have been working on drop into place; then I'm confident I can take a few more places and get myself on the podium."

It's been all change for Rutherford over the winter months with the European Championship silver medallist changing training groups to work with Dan Pfaff at Lee Valley.

But far from hiding behind the disruption of his new surroundings, Rutherford believes a change will prove to be as good as a rest in the Middle East this weekend.

"I'm feeling really good about everything at the minute and I don't think I've ever felt as positive about the shape that I am in," added Rutherford.

"I am still a young guy but I felt like it was the right time to make the move and I have no regrets about it at all.  

"Working with Dan is absolutely fantastic and I am really pushing myself on as an athlete in so many ways that I didn't used to do."

Aviva has been proud to have helped and supported the Aviva GB & NI junior, senior and disability teams as they prepare for all major events and championships since 1999. Visit www.aviva.co.uk/athletics for more information