Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins: I became a cocaine addict after retiring

Tour de France winner and five-time Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins has revealed his cocaine addiction. The 45-year-old British cyclist spoke to the Observer about this issue. He developed the addiction after retiring from cycling in 2016. His family members were worried for his well-being.

Wiggins shared, "There were times my son thought I would be found dead." He described himself as a "functioning addict." Many people did not realize he was high most of the time.

Wiggins won Olympic gold medals at the Athens, Beijing, and Rio Games. He also won the road time trial at London 2012. This victory came two weeks after he became the first British rider to win the Tour de France.

Since retiring, Wiggins has discussed his father's jealousy and childhood grooming by a coach. He was declared bankrupt in June 2024. Wiggins mentioned that disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong has helped him during recovery.

Armstrong offered to pay for Wiggins' therapy and has been supportive. He has expressed concern for Wiggins for a long time. Armstrong also talks frequently with Wiggins' son Ben, who is a professional cyclist.

Wiggins quit cocaine a year ago and recognized it as a major problem. "I had to stop," he said, feeling lucky to be alive. He admitted that his addiction amplified self-hatred and caused harm to others around him.

He explained that he cannot have just one drink; it leads to drug use. His addiction was an attempt to ease emotional pain.

In an interview with Cycling Weekly, Wiggins discussed the 'Jiffy-bag' scandal's ongoing impact on him. Two investigations failed to prove what was in a medical package delivered during a race in 20