Dame Sarah Storey shares her worries about Sir Bradley Wiggins’ financial struggles and reflects on the challenges athletes face.
London: Dame Sarah Storey is really worried about her fellow cyclist, Sir Bradley Wiggins. She’s been following his story and it’s tough to see him go through such a hard time. Wiggins, who was a superstar back in 2012, won the Tour de France and an Olympic gold medal. But things have changed, and he was declared bankrupt this summer.
Storey, who’s been busy winning medals herself, mentioned that she hasn’t seen Wiggins in ages. She said it’s sad to watch a former teammate struggle. She also raised a good point about how support systems for athletes might not be enough, especially for those who are superstars. It’s hard for them to ask for help when they’re used to being on a pedestal.
She’s been trying to help younger athletes manage their finances better. Storey shared that many athletes don’t think about things like pensions or investments until it’s too late. It’s a real eye-opener when they get hit with unexpected bills from HMRC after they turn 30.
Storey recalled cheering for Wiggins when he won the Sports Personality of the Year award in 2012, a moment she’ll never forget. Now, at 47, she’s in the running to be the oldest winner of that award herself, especially after her amazing performances in Paris.
She also mentioned Mark Cavendish, who recently retired but didn’t make the shortlist for the award. Storey would have loved to share the spotlight with him. She hopes to represent not just cycling but also the ParalympicsGB team and women in sports with her nomination.
As the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event approaches, Storey is excited and hopeful. She wants everyone to see her dedication and support her in this journey.