Sir Bradley Wiggins: ‘I Was Using Excessive Amounts of Cocaine’

Bradley Wiggins Opens Up About His Struggles

Sir Bradley Wiggins has shared candid insights into his life after cycling, revealing the challenges he faced as a “functioning addict” battling a serious cocaine addiction. In his new book, The Chain, and during a recent interview, Wiggins disclosed the impact of his addiction on his mental health and personal life, particularly the fear it instilled in his children.

Life After Fame

At 45, Wiggins reflects on the aftermath of his illustrious cycling career, which saw him rise to fame as the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France in 2012. His success, which continued with a gold medal performance in the 2012 London Olympics, brought unprecedented attention. However, this fame came with its own set of challenges, as Wiggins struggled to adapt to his new celebrity status. This pressure was compounded when he opened the London Games and was subsequently honored as BBC Sports Personality of the Year, followed by his knighthood in 2013.

Mental Health Struggles

Despite his achievements, Wiggins’s mental health deteriorated significantly after he secured his fifth Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro. The situation worsened in 2016 when his medical records were leaked by Russian hackers, revealing that his cycling team, Sky, had received Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for corticosteroids during major competitions, including the 2012 Tour. Wiggins has continuously maintained that the medications were necessary for managing pollen allergies and denied any allegations of doping.

The fallout from the leak raised serious questions regarding the ethical practices within Team Sky, further contributing to Wiggins’s struggles with his mental health in retirement.

The Battle with Addiction

In his revealing interview, Wiggins narrated that his children feared for his life during his darkest times, believing he might die from his addiction. He explained, “There were times my son thought I was going to be found dead in the morning. I was a functioning addict. People wouldn’t realize. I was high most of the time for many years.” He candidly discussed his heavy cocaine use, indicating that although he appeared to be managing his responsibilities, he was trapped in a cycle of addiction that he found difficult to escape.

“I was doing s—loads of cocaine. I had a really bad problem. My kids were going to put me in rehab. I was walking a tightrope,” he revealed. Wiggins emphasized the severe nature of his addiction, stating, “There’s no middle ground for me. I can’t just have a glass of wine. If I have a glass of wine, then I’m buying drugs. My proclivity to addiction was easing the pain that I lived with.” His acknowledgment of the depth of his struggles illustrates the often-hidden battles faced by individuals dealing with addiction.

Financial Difficulties

In recent years, Wiggins’s financial situation has also become a point of concern. In 2020, his company, Wiggins Rights Limited, entered voluntary liquidation, with considerable debts owed to various creditors, including HM Revenue & Customs, to the tune of over £300,000. Last year, he was declared bankrupt in Lancaster County Court, as his company had amassed debts nearing £1 million. Reports further revealed that the home he previously shared with his ex-wife was repossessed, leaving him in a precarious living situation.

Unexpected Support

In an unexpected turn of events, Wiggins sought and received support from Lance Armstrong, one of cycling’s most controversial figures. Armstrong, who faced his own struggles with addiction and has been banned from the sport due to doping violations, reached out to Wiggins during his difficult period. Despite their complicated history, Armstrong had assisted other athletes, including Jan Ullrich, a former Tour de France winner, in overcoming similar challenges. Wiggins traveled to Aspen to appear on Armstrong’s podcast, The Move, which was a significant step in addressing his situation.

Wiggins recounted that while Armstrong attempted to connect with him for support, he was often unreachable. “My son speaks to Lance a lot. He’d ask my son, ‘How’s your dad?’ Ben would say, ‘I’ve not heard from him for a couple of weeks; I know he’s living in a hotel,’” he shared. This connection highlights the complexities of relationships within the cycling community, as well as the broader narrative of recovery and support in times of need.

A Journey to Recovery

In the later stages of the interview, Wiggins clarified that he managed to quit his addiction without external assistance about a year ago. His journey to recovery is a testament to his resilience and determination to reclaim control over his life. It stands as a vital reminder that while the path to sobriety can be daunting, it is achievable.

Conclusion

Bradley Wiggins’s candid revelations shed light on the often-hidden struggles faced by public figures, particularly in the realms of addiction and mental health. His experiences offer a glimpse into the complexities of life after fame, illustrating that success does not shield individuals from personal crises. As he continues to navigate life post-retirement, Wiggins remains a symbol of resilience, representing the importance of seeking help and the potential for recovery.