Story perspectives

Bradley Wiggins Reveals Cocaine Struggles Post-Olympics

10/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

Bradley Wiggins, Olympic champion, revealed he struggled with cocaine addiction after retiring.
He admitted to snorting cocaine off his Olympic gold medal.
He described himself as a 'functioning addict' who used up to 120 grams in two weeks.
He filed for bankruptcy last year with debts around £1 million, homelessness, and the loss of his marriage.
Former cyclist Lance Armstrong offered to fund his therapy.

History

Historical Context

The 2008 Beijing Olympics, held from August 8 to 24, featured 10,942 athletes competing in 302 events. Amidst controversies over human rights and doping scandals, including the disqualification of several athletes, the Games highlighted issues of addiction in sports. Bradley Wiggins, who won gold in cycling, later revealed his struggle with cocaine addiction, paralleling Lance Armstrong's doping scandal and emphasizing the need for mental health support for athletes.

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Story summary

Bradley Wiggins, Olympic champion, revealed he struggled with cocaine addiction after retiring.
He admitted to snorting cocaine off his Olympic gold medal.
He described himself as a 'functioning addict' who used up to 120 grams in two weeks.
He filed for bankruptcy last year with debts around £1 million, homelessness, and the loss of his marriage.
Former cyclist Lance Armstrong offered to fund his therapy.

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