It’s been more than three decades since Sally Gunnell captured the hearts of a nation with her unforgettable gold medal win at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. That moment - bursting through the finish line of the 400m hurdles, arms raised, face filled with disbelief and joy - remains one of the most iconic in British sporting history. But for Sally, as she reflects on that life-changing moment, it was just one part of a much bigger journey.
“I think, like a lot of athletes, your career can define you for a long time,” she says. “So, when it comes to an end, you almost have to start again - figure out who you are without it. That’s what I’ve tried to do. I’m a mum to three boys, I love my dogs, my walks, and being out in nature. I’ve found a new passion in helping people feel good about themselves.”
These days, Sally speaks with warmth and clarity about wellness, balance, and the importance of self-belief - values that were vital to her sporting career and remain central to her everyday life. “You’re never perfect every day. There are bad days, setbacks, and times you feel like giving up. But it’s about consistency. Finding that inner resilience. Knowing when to push through and when to stop, listen to your body and rest.”
That instinct - to tune in and trust herself - was something she first learned on the track. She credits her 1993 World Championship win in Stuttgart, where she broke the world record despite feeling unwell, as a defining lesson in the power of mindset. “I was under pressure. I didn’t feel my best. But I realised how much control I had over my thoughts - how choosing to believe in myself made all the difference.”
It’s a message she’s keen to pass on. “We don’t champion ourselves enough,” she says. “Sometimes we need to remind ourselves, ‘I can do this.’ I always say: know your why. Know what’s driving you.”
“We don’t champion ourselves enough,” she says. “Sometimes we need to remind ourselves, ‘I can do this.’ I always say: know your why. Know what’s driving you.”
Her own ‘why’ has shifted over time. Travel, for example, has gone from a necessity in her competitive career, where she was often sent abroad as a teenager to compete, often alone, to something she genuinely cherishes. “At 16, I’d be handed a plane ticket and end up in St Petersburg or somewhere equally unfamiliar. I had to figure it all out. It gave me confidence, character, and a real appetite for exploring.”
That love of discovery has only grown stronger with age. Now, rather than racing through destinations, she savours the opportunity to take things at her own pace. And for Sally, no form of travel has offered that better than cruising. “My first cruise was around the Greek Islands. I didn’t know what to expect - I thought it might not be for me. But I fell in love with it. Waking up each morning in a new place, with no stress, no rushing - it was just bliss.”
It’s that mix of variety and tranquillity that keeps drawing her back. “I don’t like sitting still for too long,” she laughs. “I love a walk around the deck, a session in the gym, or a day exploring a new port. But I also love a long lunch in the sun, a good book, and a quiet moment. Cruising gives you both. You can do as much or as little as you like.”
Over the years, she’s cruised everywhere from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia, taking in the beauty of Vietnam, the bustle of Singapore and the serenity of Taiwan - places she may never have visited on a traditional land-based holiday. “It just opens up the world in a different way. You get a taste of so many cultures, and if somewhere really captures your heart, you can always go back and spend longer.
Some destinations, like Tokyo and Barcelona, hold personal meaning. “I competed in both, and there’s something quite special about going back as a traveller, not an athlete, and seeing them in a new light. You notice different things, soak it all in. You appreciate it more.”
Her sporting past also shaped the way she travels now. “Back then, everything was go, go, go. You’d fly in, race, fly out. There wasn’t much time to pause. Now, I want to enjoy the moment. I want to take it all in - the food, the scenery, the people. I’ve learned to live in the now.”
This passion for thoughtful, balanced travel made Sally the perfect choice for her newest role, as ROL Cruise’s official Cruise Miles® Ambassador. It’s a partnership that feels entirely natural. “I’m so genuinely chuffed,” she says, beaming. “It brings together two things I really care about - wellness and exploring the world. I love what ROL Cruise stands for - the attention to detail, the personal touch, and the way they help people get the absolute most out of their holiday.”
As someone who admits to being a bit of a travel planner herself, Sally is right at home amongst the maps, itineraries and expert recommendations. “I love researching where to go, what ship to choose, where to stay. And that’s where ROL Cruise really stands out. They get to know you and help you find the cruise that’s exactly right for you.”
She’s especially excited about the Cruise Miles® loyalty programme - a way for ROL Cruise guests to earn rewards every time they travel. “It’s like a little thank you for yourself,” she says. “Something that builds towards your next adventure - maybe even a bucket list trip you’ve always dreamed of. And we all need something to look forward to.”
For those new to cruising, Sally’s advice is simple: “Don’t be put off by the misconceptions. There’s so much choice out there. Whether you want luxury, adventure, relaxation, or a bit of everything, there’s a cruise out there for you. And ROL Cruise will help you find it.”
When she’s on board, her days tend to follow a loose routine. “We get up early, have coffee on the deck, do a few laps to get our steps in, then hit the gym or do a class. Then it’s a nice breakfast, maybe an excursion or a wander on our own, and some downtime in the afternoon. Evenings can be dressed-up dinners and shows or something more casual - it just depends on how we feel.”
Sally also takes time to unwind with a spa treatment or a quiet hour in the sauna. “That me-time is really important. It’s not about doing everything - it’s about doing what feels good.”
Her approach to wellness on board is grounded and relatable. “I still like to move - I need that for my mental health. But it doesn’t have to be intense. A walk, a swim, some stretching. And then I’ll balance that with some really good food, maybe a glass of wine, and just enjoying the moment.”
Looking ahead, Sally has her sights set on Alaska - a destination she’s yet to visit, but one that captures her imagination. “I think it would be something totally different. The wildlife, the landscapes - it would just be breathtaking.”
She’s also curious about river cruising. “I’ve done the big ships, the smaller ships, the family holidays - now I’m ready to try something new.”
Whether she’s gliding through the Norwegian Fjords or strolling the streets of Barcelona, one thing is clear: Sally Gunnell is embracing this next chapter with the same energy, passion and heart that took her to the very top of the sporting world.
“I just want to keep exploring,” she says with a smile. “To keep learning, keep moving, and keep finding joy in the journey.”
