Bradley Wiggins, once a celebrated British Olympian, has seen his life take a downward spiral in recent years, culminating in his declaration of bankruptcy. Born in Belgium in 1980, Wiggins faced a challenging childhood marked by his father’s abusive behavior. Despite the hardships, Wiggins found solace in cycling and began his journey to greatness at a young age, eventually winning five Olympic gold medals.
However, his success was marred by personal struggles, including a history of sexual assault by his coach and a tumultuous relationship with his former team. In 2016, Wiggins faced allegations of doping after his medical records were leaked by Russian hackers. While the investigation yielded no definitive evidence, it cast a shadow over his legacy as a cyclist.
Since retiring from professional cycling in 2016, Wiggins’ life has taken a turn for the worse, with legal battles, divorce, and financial troubles plaguing him. In 2018, a report by the Digital Culture Media and Sport committee accused Wiggins of using performance-enhancing drugs, further tarnishing his reputation.
Most recently, Wiggins was declared bankrupt, facing the prospect of losing his medals and trophies to creditors. His company, Wiggins Rights Limited, went into liquidation in 2020, accumulating debts that eventually led to his bankruptcy declaration.
Despite his fall from grace, Wiggins remains a prominent figure in British sports history, with his victories and accolades leaving a lasting impact on cycling. However, the challenges he has faced in his post-cycling career serve as a cautionary tale about the highs and lows of life after the spotlight fades.