Olympic legend Sir Bradley Wiggins has bravely revealed his ongoing battle with mental health issues that ultimately led him to seek treatment at a specialist trauma clinic. The 2012 Tour de France winner and five-time Olympic gold medallist has opened up about the profound psychological struggles he faced following his retirement from professional cycling.
The Hidden Struggle Behind the Gold Medals
Despite his remarkable sporting achievements and public persona as one of Britain's most celebrated athletes, Wiggins confessed to experiencing severe depression and grappling with unresolved childhood trauma. The cycling icon spent time at a dedicated mental health facility, seeking professional help to address deep-seated issues that had plagued him for years.
'I've been carrying this for a long time,' Wiggins revealed in an emotional interview, describing how the transition from elite sport to retirement had exacerbated his mental health challenges.
The Pressure of Sporting Greatness
The 44-year-old sportsman detailed how the immense pressure of competition and public expectation took a significant toll on his psychological wellbeing. 'When you're in that bubble of competition, you suppress everything,' he explained. 'But when it stops, everything you've been holding down comes to the surface.'
Wiggins' treatment focused on addressing childhood experiences that had resurfaced during his post-cycling life, highlighting the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by elite athletes after retirement.
A New Chapter of Healing
Since undergoing treatment, Wiggins has been working on his recovery and hopes his openness will encourage others in similar situations to seek help. 'There's no shame in admitting you're struggling,' he emphasised, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in professional sports.
The cycling champion's candid revelation adds to the growing conversation about mental wellbeing in athletics, following other high-profile sports personalities who have spoken out about their psychological struggles.
