INSPIRATION • August 2016
How to holiday like an Olympian
The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games will showcase some of the most popular sports, but where are the world’s best places to train? The Club’s Katie Gatens asked Olympic athletes to recommend awe-inspiring locations, and where they’d like to travel to next
Swimming
Says who? Jazz Carlin, freestyle swimmer
Best place to train: The Australian Gold Coast. There’s no better feeling than training outdoors with the sun on your back, even though swimming-costume tan lines aren’t the best.
On the wish list: I spend 11 months of the year pushing my body to the limit, so the Maldives seems perfect for me to relax.
Sailing
Says who? Luke Patience, Olympic Silver medallist
Best place to train: Italy’s Lake Garda. There’s a mountain range surrounding the lake, and on one side sheer cliffs run down into the water. On the other side there are rolling green hills and the wind is funnelled down towards the water.
On the wish list: My ambition is to sail across an ocean, from one continent to another – I’d love to be part of the Volvo Ocean Race.
Running
Says who? Marathon runners, and brothers, Derek and Callum Hawkins
Best place to train (Derek): Kenya, in a rural town called Iten. Located in the Rift Valley, it’s at an altitude of almost 2,400 metres and has become home to top endurance athletes. No matter what time of day, you see groups of runners pounding the roads.
Best place to train (Callum): Boulder, Colorado. There are many trails and the surrounding mountains make for great views.
On the wish list (Callum): I’d love to go to Japan, where there’s a passion for marathon running.
Canoeing
Says who? David Florence, two-time Olympic Silver medallist
Best place to train: I have to say Rio. The course overlooks the favelas, yet there are green hills in the background. It’s different to any setting I’ve seen.
On the wish list: They’ve built a slalom course on Reunion Island, near Mauritius – I’d love to go there.
Horse riding
Says who? Laura Tomlinson MBE, Gold and Bronze Olympic medallist
Best place to train: Guarana Lodge in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Out there I train by running in the bush – you don’t even notice how long, or how far, you’ve run because you’re surrounded by so much beauty.
On the wish list: I’ve never been to New Zealand. They have incredible thoroughbred horses and an amazing landscape to ride them in.
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