James Cracknell uses conservatory as sanctuary

Double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell has described how he uses a converted conservatory as his private sanctuary.

The 39-year-old athlete told The Guardian that the space could be termed his “man cave”, since it is essentially a gym with a few extras to make his training more enjoyable.

However the room is more than just a gym for Cracknell, who labelled it his “saving grace” in the past few years. The athlete suffered a serious brain injury after falling from his bike in October 2010 and has used the space to recover emotionally and physically.

His affection for the space may inspire others to utilise their room in this way; potentially adding conservatory blinds to give them added privacy during their moments alone.

Cracknell said: “I’m only half way through my recovery. The gym allows me to have my own time but not too far away from my family. I come in here when everyone’s asleep. I work out, think about things and let any anger out that I’m still working through.”

According to Press Association, he is currently in training to take part in a sponsored running event for Sport Relief on March 25th, joining Olly Murs, Lorraine Kelly and Kara Tointon in efforts to raise money for the charity.

It is not the first time Cracknell has set out on a high-profile project since his injury; last year he went on an expedition along the Zambezi, even whittling his own paddle for the trip.