Former Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton has spoken candidly about the personal challenges and defining life experiences that have shaped her journey beyond sport, including grief, reinvention, and her ongoing relationship with fear and ambition.
Pendleton, 45, who rose to global fame after winning multiple medals at the London 2012 Olympics, says her perspective on life has shifted significantly in recent years. Her reflections come as she promotes her new book, which explores how reframing fear can help build confidence and reduce anxiety.
She describes a growing sense of self-belief developed over time, saying she has learned to recognise her own capabilities after years of self-doubt. That evolution, she explains, has allowed her to approach life with greater acceptance and resilience.
Following her retirement from professional cycling after a highly successful career, Pendleton continued to challenge herself in unexpected ways. She retrained as a jockey and competed at the Cheltenham Festival in 2016, finishing fifth in a major race despite having no prior riding experience.
Her post-sport journey has also included significant personal hardship. In 2018, during a difficult period that included the breakdown of her marriage, she experienced severe depression following an unsuccessful attempt to climb Mount Everest. She later credited physical activity and surfing as key factors in her recovery and now supports mental health initiatives that use surf-based therapy.
In 2023, Pendleton experienced the loss of her twin brother, Alex, who died at the age of 42 after battling cancer. She has spoken about the lasting impact of his absence, describing him as a constant source of encouragement and emotional support throughout her life.
She reflects that growing up with a twin contributed to her sense of fearlessness and drive, often motivating her to take on new challenges. That mindset, she says, continues to influence her decisions today, even when facing uncertainty.
Despite earlier frustrations about not achieving a third gold medal at the 2012 Olympics, Pendleton now views her sporting achievements with gratitude, highlighting the privilege of her career and the opportunities it has created.
Her attempt to climb Mount Everest, she explains, came during a period of emotional escape, when she sought focus through physical challenge rather than confronting personal difficulties directly. Looking back, she acknowledges the importance of addressing emotional struggles alongside ambition.
Today, Pendleton says her outlook on mental health has evolved, particularly after experiencing loss. While she still faces difficult moments, she notes that she is more aware of them and better equipped to manage them.
Outside of her public work, she spends time renovating a property and enjoys cycling and horse riding at a recreational level, describing both as important parts of her life and wellbeing.
As she continues to balance personal healing with new projects, Pendleton’s story reflects a life shaped by achievement, adversity, and a continuing search for purpose beyond elite sport.
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Source: Owink
