Theresa Zabell's suitcase: "I like to eat sardine spit until Christmas"

Theresa Zabell, twice Olympic gold medalist in sailing and former European Parliament member, has revealed her love for eating sardine skewers even during Christmas, according to a recent interview published by El Mundo. The article provides an intimate look into the personal life and interests of the Spanish-born British activist, who has become known for her environmental advocacy and passion for the sea. The piece was released on Sunday, August 16, 2026, and features photographs of Zabell at the sports port of Andratx on the island of Mallorca, near the start of her vacation. Zabell’s career spans decades of competitive sailing, beginning with her participation in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where she won gold, followed by another victory at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Her journey took her through some of the world's most challenging waters, earning her two medals and establishing her reputation as one of Spain’s top sailors. After retiring from competition, she entered politics, serving as a member of the European Parliament for several years. She later transitioned into activism, focusing on marine conservation and climate change issues. In the interview, Zabell recalls growing up in Málaga, specifically in the neighborhood of Pedregalejo before moving to Fuengirola. She describes childhood summers filled with the scent of grilled sardines, a staple of local cuisine, which she still enjoys year-round. “I love them even in December,” she says. She recounts how she would take her children to search for these fish among the rocks, a tradition that continues to this day. Beyond food, Zabell emphasizes the importance of nature and the ocean, noting that many people misunderstand the role of oceans in producing oxygen. “A lot think trees are the main contributors, but actually, 70% of Earth’s oxygen comes from the oceans.” Her travels have taken her far beyond the shores of Spain. While preparing for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, she spent five years in Barcelona, and later traveled to Atlanta, though she did not attend the opening ceremony due to being stationed at a regatta site in Savannah, Georgia. There, she faced extreme conditions, including temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius and humidity, while navigating sandy areas and avoiding crocodiles. During her time in the European Parliament, based in Strasbourg, she found the environment less appealing than the open sea. Zabell has also explored culinary delights, particularly cheeses. She mentions a restaurant called La Cloche de Fromage, which offers an extensive selection of cheese varieties and is reportedly listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. She praises the meticulous approach of its cheesemaker, who tailors dishes to individual tastes. In addition to food, she highlights the need for greater awareness regarding marine pollution, noting that 80% of ocean trash originates from land-based sources. She has also embraced diving, a new hobby that allows her to connect more deeply with the underwater world. This interest began around five to six years ago, driven by a desire to share this experience with her children and witness firsthand the state of marine ecosystems. Through her foundation, Ecomar, she works to highlight the critical role of the ocean in sustaining life on Earth. As she prepares for her upcoming holiday, Zabell expresses a particular longing to visit Antarctica, a place she considers essential to understanding global environmental challenges. Her journey reflects a lifelong connection to the sea, from competitive sailing to political engagement and now environmental activism.