Sally Gunnell: From Tracks to Travel

“Over the course of my athletics career, I was fortunate enough to compete all over the world - in cities that challenged me, inspired me, and ultimately became part of who I am. Back then, I rarely had the chance to stop and take it all in. It was usually airport-track-hotel-home, and on to the next one. 

Now, when I revisit these destinations, it’s with a completely different mindset. Slower, more present, and deeply grateful. And while I once travelled in spikes and tracksuits, these days I much prefer exploring them by ship.

Here are five cities I’ll always associate with competition - and why I’d love to return to each on a cruise. 

Barcelona will always have a special place in my heart. It was 1992, and I can still remember the moment I crossed the finish line and realised I’d won Olympic gold. The atmosphere in the stadium, the heat, the roar - it was electric. 

But beyond the medals, Barcelona is a city of colour, culture and coast. From the striking curves of Gaudí’s architecture to the buzz of Las Ramblas and the calm of the beach, it’s the kind of place that deserves more than a fleeting visit. I’d love to return by sea, sail into that glittering port and experience it all over again - only this time, with my feet up.

The birthplace of the Olympics, and somewhere I always felt a deep sense of history every time I ran there. Walking through the ancient ruins of Athens, you’re reminded of how long people have been chasing excellence - and how sport connects us across generations. I remember training there and thinking about the original athletes who competed in bare feet and robes. 

Now, it’s a vibrant city with stunning sea views, brilliant food and no shortage of sunshine. I think a cruise is the perfect way to arrive - dock nearby, explore the city’s ancient wonders and be back onboard in time for dinner. 

Tokyo was one of those places that, even as a teenager, left me wide-eyed. I remember stepping off the plane and being blown away by the scale, the lights, the order of it all. I raced there early in my career, and again later, and every time I visited, I discovered something new - whether it was a peaceful temple tucked away in a side street or the energy of a night market. 

What I love most about Tokyo is that it balances tradition and innovation so beautifully. One moment you’re sipping green tea, the next you’re gliding past neon signs on a bullet train. I think visiting by cruise would offer that same balance. 

Rome always made me feel something. It wasn’t just about competing (although there were races there, of course); it was about the sheer grandeur of the place. The Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the food, and the history on every street corner. 

Even when I was there with a stopwatch and schedule, I found time to pause. I remember sneaking away for a gelato and watching the world go by. There’s something timeless about Rome. I’d jump at the chance to visit Rome again as part of a Mediterranean cruise. 

Nice was a stop on the athletics circuit that I always looked forward to. It had a different energy - more laid back, more glamorous. I remember running there in the golden light of evening and thinking, “This doesn’t feel like work.” 

The French Riviera has a magic about it, and Nice, with its palm-lined promenade and pastel buildings, is postcard-perfect. Arriving by cruise would only add to that charm, watching the coastline appear on the horizon, the promise of a leisurely stroll through the market or a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Bliss. 

Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky to have seen these places through the lens of competition. But the truth is, I’m just as excited to rediscover them in a new way - with curiosity instead of nerves, sandals instead of spikes. Cruising lets you do that. You arrive refreshed, unpack once, and let the journey unfold.

And with Cruise Miles®, each trip builds towards the next, like collecting chapters of your own adventure. For me, it’s the perfect way to keep moving, keep exploring, and keep celebrating the places that shaped me.”