The Quiet Coach: Hot Air Balloons, Travel Mishaps and New Beginnings with Matty Lee

From sunrise hot air balloons over Marrakesh to leaving his Nintendo behind on his very first family holiday, Olympic gold medallist Matty Lee joins Jenni Falconer on The Quiet Coach to share stories from a life shaped by travel, competition and big moments. In this episode of Routes from LNER, Matty reflects on how travel has changed since retiring from diving, from fast-paced trips across Thailand to slower, more relaxed journeys closer to home. He shares what it’s like seeing the world without the pressure of competition, and why some of his most memorable experiences come from the simplest moments, like a peaceful sunrise high above the Atlas Mountains. The conversation also explores the realities of elite sport, including the mental side of competing, the nerves that come with performing on the world stage, and how those experiences helped shape his path to Olympic gold. Along the way, Matty opens up about family, early travel memories, and the moments that stuck with him long after the medals. Plus, in the “Snacks, Tracks & Hacks” segment, he reveals his go-to train snacks, why podcasts help journeys fly by, and the travel essentials he now swears by. From rolling clothes to noise-cancelling headphones and a game-changing eye mask. Relaxed, honest and full of personality, this is a warm conversation about slowing down, looking back, and finding a new rhythm after sport.