Robbie Grabarz takes a bronze in the high jump

by liamssoft | August 7, 2012 at 11:56 pm

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High jumper Robbie Grabarz nearly quit athletics to pursue a job doing up classic cars but tonight he took home an Olympic medal.

The 24-year-old won a share of the men's high jump bronze medal with two other athletes.

Grabarz, one of Britain's most colourful athletes, took his place on the podium after jumping 2.29m in front of the 80,000-strong crowd at the Olympic Stadium.

The jubilant Briton did a lap of the arena carrying a Union flag.

Last year Grabarz was ranked 28th in the world and had his Lottery funding removed for failing to meet performance targets but tonight he earned a bronze medal on his home turf.

Qatar's Mutaz Essa Barshim and Derek Drouin from Canada share his place on the crowded podium after jumping the same height. Erik Kynard from the United States earned silver and Ivan Ukhov, the long-haired jumper from Russia, took home the gold.

Source: standard.co.uk