Bradley Wiggins, the winner of the 2012 Tour de France, is facing a serious crisis. His lawyer, Alan Sellers, revealed to the Daily Mail that Wiggins has lost everything – his house, his property in Majorca, his savings, and investments. He is left with nothing. This downfall began after the end of his professional cycling career, and the bankruptcy of his company, Wiggins Rights Limited, in 2020 due to a debt of 765,000 euros.
Apart from financial troubles, Wiggins is struggling with severe depression. Two years ago, he opened up about being abandoned by his father at a young age and experiencing sexual abuse from a coach as a teenager. These traumatic events have left a lasting impact on him. Wiggins has expressed dissatisfaction with the person he became during his cycling career. His mental health deteriorated further after his marriage ended in 2020.
Currently, Wiggins is urgently trying to pay off his debts amounting to over 1.5 million euros. His lawyer suggests selling his eight Olympic medals at an auction to clear the debt. Despite feeling embarrassed about his financial failure, Wiggins is reminded that his achievements will always be a part of him, and life will improve once he is debt-free. At 44 years old, Wiggins is in a “very sad” situation, according to Alan Sellers. He does not have a permanent address and is uncertain about where he will sleep each night.
Wiggins’ story serves as a reminder of the toll that fame, success, and personal struggles can take on an individual. It highlights the importance of mental health awareness and seeking support during challenging times. The public image of athletes often portrays glory and triumph, but behind the scenes, they may be battling their own demons. Wiggins’ journey from Tour de France champion to homelessness sheds light on the vulnerabilities that can exist beneath the surface of a celebrated career. It prompts reflection on the pressures faced by athletes, the impact of past traumas, and the importance of addressing mental health issues openly and compassionately.