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Bradley Wiggins Opens Up About Years-Long Cocaine Addiction and Recovery

The former Tour de France champion and five-time Olympic gold medalist reveals his struggle with addiction, his family's intervention, and his journey to sobriety in a candid interview.

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Bradley Wiggins 2022 bei der Giro d’Italia
Bradley Wiggins
Sir Bradley Wiggins bei einer BBC-Gala im Jahr 2024

Overview

  • Bradley Wiggins disclosed that he was a 'functional addict' for years after his 2016 retirement, often using cocaine to cope with self-hatred and emotional pain.
  • His addiction reached a point where his children feared for his life, with his son believing he might be found dead in the morning.
  • Wiggins credited his recovery, achieved about a year ago without external assistance, to recognizing the damage he was causing to himself and others around him.
  • Lance Armstrong, who had supported other athletes through addiction, played a pivotal role in reaching out to Wiggins and offering guidance during his struggle.
  • Wiggins plans to further detail his experiences, including his addiction, childhood trauma, and career highs, in his forthcoming memoir, 'The Chain,' set for release later this year.