Chris Tomlinson makes his mark

Chris Tomlinson going for a medal in long jump

Newham and Essex Beagle long jumper Chris Tomlinson leapt over eight metres to qualify for tomorrow’s Olympic final.

The 30-year-old who always seems to struggle when it comes to the big competition, seemed to be heading that way once again in the Olympic Stadium tonight when his first round jump was a disappointing 7.62 metres.

To compound his frustration, his great rival and fellow Brit Greg Rutherford made a mark over the eight metre line to push himself on to the verge of automatic qualification.

But Tomlinson, who jointly holds the British record showed what he was made of in the second round as he stormed to a superb jump of 8.06m to put himself just two centimetres behind his compatriot in fourth place overall and into the final.

Reigning Olympic champion Irving Saladino from Cuba failed to make the final after three no jumps.

Tomlinson’s only outdoor medal has been a bronze in the European Championship in Barcelona back in 2010, but on his day he can be a match for anyone and with the home crowd behind him, he will be looking for a medal in the final tomorrow night.