Former AFL champion Jimmy Bartel and his wife Nadia have announced their divorce after four years of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in 2018, confirmed the split in a heartfelt joint statement.
'After much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to separate,' the statement read. 'Our focus remains on co-parenting our two beautiful children with love and respect. We kindly ask for privacy during this time.'
A High-Profile Romance Comes to an End
The Bartels' relationship had been one of Australia's most talked-about celebrity unions. Jimmy, a three-time AFL premiership player and Brownlow Medal winner, met fashion entrepreneur Nadia in 2014. Their wedding at Lorne's exclusive Cumberland Resort was attended by numerous sporting stars and celebrities.
Challenges in the Spotlight
The couple had faced public scrutiny in recent years, particularly after Nadia was fined for breaching COVID-19 restrictions in 2021 by attending an illegal gathering. Despite these challenges, they had appeared to maintain a strong relationship until now.
What's Next for the Former Couple?
With two young sons to co-parent, both Jimmy and Nadia have emphasised their commitment to putting their children first. Jimmy continues his media career with Channel Seven's AFL coverage, while Nadia runs her successful fashion label.
The separation comes as a surprise to many fans who had followed the couple's journey through social media, where they frequently shared glimpses of their family life.
