For Australian Olympic sprinter Morgan Mitchell, one of the best ways to reset your mind, body and soul is by taking some time off to travel.
Having competed in the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the 27-year-old from Melbourne recently became an ambassador for Celebrity Cruises’ Women in Wellness program, which is designed to meet the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of today’s modern traveller.
As part of the program, Morgan joins five other leading minds and practitioners working in the wellness industry, including Goop wellness director Kiki Koroshetz, Soulcycle co-founder Ruth Zuckerman, Yoga Professional founder Katie Brauer, Solluna founder Kimberly Snyder and ELEMIS co-founder Noella Gabriel.
Morgan’s curated a specialised wellness itinerary for the program, which includes fitness classes and seminars for those travelling aboard Celebrity’s Luxury Edge series.
“When the concept was first presented to me, I liked how it focused on ways to maintain your physical and mental wellbeing, whilst also featuring other female leaders with a passion for health and fitness,” Morgan says.
Camera IconAustralian Olympian Morgan Mitchell Credit: Supplied
“As an athlete, you are consistently placed on a social podium for the public to openly see you, and you have a choice on how you use that platform. As I looked into the Women in Wellness program, I realised it reflected my values in everyday life, and I felt confident that Celebrity was a company making inroads on social topics that aligned with what I believe in and represent.”
Designed for anyone, at any age and at any skill level, the itinerary contains wellness-centred activities such as, embracing the place you are in; taking a morning yoga or high-intensity workout class; eating healthy and nutritious meals; relaxing and restorative treatments; plus moments where you can live in the moment and simply go with the flow.
“As a mental health advocate, I want the itinerary to help others feel healthy, beautiful and loved on the inside and out,” Morgan says. “It’s also nice giving back and having the opportunity to share my wellness routine and experiences with others.”
Throughout her career as a professional athlete, Morgan has experienced her fair share of ups-and-downs. And while she is grateful for representing Australia at the recent Olympics, she admits there were moments in the lead-up to Tokyo that she struggled with.
“For instance, I had a torn Achilles, and had been locked out of my home State and away from my coach for a good portion of the year due to Australia’s pandemic restrictions,” Morgan says.
But rather than worry about things she could not control, Morgan decided to prioritise her own mental wellbeing.
“When it comes to my own personal wellness routine, I take a physical, mental and holistic approach,” Morgan says. “This includes writing in my journal at least once a week, going for a coastal walk or swim with friends at least twice a week, incorporating an F45 class in whenever possible and enjoying self-care Sunday, where I set up a spa at home and care for my skin and hair in an hour-long session, it’s literally my favourite thing to do,” she says.
“And no matter how good or bad a situation is, I always make time to check in with my therapist. Not only does this help keep me grounded and centred, but it makes me feel like an all-round better human.”
Camera IconMorgan Mitchell Credit: Supplied
While Morgan tries to maintain this routine whenever she travels, she admits she is always on the lookout for fun and creative ways to exercise.
“What I like about being at sea with Celebrity is that their ships have evolved and now include significant fitness programming,” she says. “For example, I can still do my sunrise power flow yoga or sunset mediation on the deck, whilst also sneaking in an F45 class at some time.
“As a Woman in Wellness and F45 ambassador, I’m proud that Celebrity now offers F45 classes on-board because it was a game-changer for me in both my professional and personal life.”
Discussing her favourite holiday destination, Morgan says she is obsessed with the Bahamas.
“This is hands down – or up – one of my favourite destinations,” she says. “Not only does it have 700 islands with white, sandy beaches, but the locals are some of the nicest and welcoming people on the planet. They’re all about good times and good vibes. I hope to make it down to the Bahamas after Celebrity’s Beyond Inaugural trip this fall (autumn).”
Morgan says she would love to travel to West Africa.
“I’m half Afro-American with Liberian descent, so I think it would be life-changing to connect with my roots,” she says. “But here at home, I would love to visit the Arnhem Land and dig deep into its history.”
