The word trailblazer could not be more apt for British rally driver Catie Munnings.
Still in her early 20s, Munnings has already achieved honours including the FIA European Rally Championship Ladies Trophy in 2016, first place in the ladies category at the 2019 European Rally Championships in Latvia and is currently making her debut in the 2020 World Rally Championships.
Munnings also presented Catie’s Amazing Machines – a children’s show on the BBC’s CBeebies channel.
She spoke with Sports Tourism Media co-editor Ramy Salameh about her sports and travel passions.
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What was your most memorable sporting holiday and why?
I think in terms of a holiday, away from rallying, it was probably a surf trip to Vieux-Boucau-les-Bains, we stayed in hammocks and surfed at sunrise every day. I don’t have too many holidays because we are always away so much for rally and having so many adventures, that it feels nice to be home too.
What was the best worldwide rallying location that you had a chance to compete at and why?
I loved so many places I’ve been to, some of my favourites are definitely Rally Mont Blanc, Rally Sweden in the snow, and Rally Azores, where we race around the top of the volcano. I think my favourite was probably Rally Cyprus, it was so warm, and on the beach – the roads were basically just a desert and that was awesome to experience. It was so interesting to learn a little about the local history too, that is one thing I specifically love when travelling to various rallies; it takes you to places that you’d never normally go to, which are generally not touristic areas, so one really gets to see the country.
If you could choose one adrenaline or adventure activity to do on holiday what would it be and where?
Tricky one! I love skiing, but to try something new, I’d love to try bungee jumping somewhere like New Zealand, or scuba diving somewhere hot!
What’s the ultimate sporting event you would like to attend as a fan?
The Olympics. I love athletics, I grew up competing in the pentathlon, and so watching Jess Ennis win the 2012 heptathlon in London was a dream come true for me. I’d also love to watch downhill skiing or surfing’s ASP world tour live!
As an experienced TV presenter, if you ever became part of the Top Gear team and had to suggest a road trip idea, where in the world would that be?
Tricky question again! I’d love to drive the mountain roads around Italy, we had a taster when we did Rally Rome driving around Fiuggi or I would love to try something not previously attempted – like a desert trip, or something in a rainforest!
You must have travelled widely as a rally driver, does any specific country impress you through their sport tourism offering?
I think Europe is very sporty, and love going to France and anywhere in the Alps. I think that mountains in general offer amazing active lifestyles, the skiing in winter and the mountain biking, hiking and canoeing in summer. I don’t even need to mention the natural landscape there – just amazing.
For enquiries about Catie Munnings contact centricsm.com
