Sally Gunnell's blog by Sally_Gunnell

Thanks for all your kind comments about last week’s exciting blog headline. I had a think about what to call it this week, but in the end I played it safe (which I hope doesn’t mean “boring”!) I’ve been asked many times who my heroes are, usually by people I meet at my talks or when working with kids. I’ve got people that I look up to like David Hemery, who helped me so much when I was striving to win something as an athlete. I also admire guys like Haile Gebrselassie, who are so grounded yet so talented. But the biggest group of people who get me going are the winners of the Pride of Britain Awards. Look no further than these guys if you want inspiration. I’ve been to the Awards a few times and I’m not ashamed to say that every time I go, I end up crying.

Why? Well, it’s complicated. Some of it is just the sheer unfairness and hardship that people have to deal with. Part of me feels a bit guilty, because nothing really bad has ever happened to me. But mostly, I think it’s because you can see how much it means to some of them to be supported and recognized; they gain strength from us being there cheering them. I don’t mean “famous” people; I just mean people. Everybody. When I was competing, I relied massively on my inner strength, my own mind. True I had my fantastic team around me, helping me. But they were helping me to be more self-reliant, more focused on myself, more likely to succeed at what I was choosing to do.

The guys who win these awards couldn’t be more different. They didn’t choose to be where they are. Success for them isn’t a gold medal and a lap of honour. They’re not on a path they’ve planned for and dreamed of for many years. Often, they’ve experienced total loneliness and isolation. Despite all that, there’s no sense of “poor me! It’s so hard.” Not at all! Most of the guys I’ve met don’t even want to be considered “brave” or “heroes”; they say they’re just doing what anybody else would do in their place. And I guess that some of my tears are because I wonder if I would really be able to cope in their situation as effectively as they do.

I’ve recently been given a new job, which I have to say is a huge honour. I’m to become a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Sussex. The kids said “Cool! What does it mean?” I said “Er, well, I get some letters after my name, I think, and I’ll tell you the rest in November!” Why November? Well, that’s when I go to a ceremony, where I’ll find out more about my role. In a nutshell, I represent the Lord Lieutenant at certain events and functions. I’ve got a feeling there might be some quite serious and important events to go to, so I’d better practice my solemn face! Seriously, though, it’ll be great to get out there and meet people, especially if it’s people who deserve some recognition for their unsung successes.