Victoria Pendleton has revealed that her Olympic success negatively impacted her personal relationships. The British cyclist, who won gold in the keirin and silver in the sprint at London 2012, said British Cycling has already sold her bike and that some staff members will probably never speak to her again. She suspects they will be relieved not to have to deal with her any more.
In an interview promoting her autobiography, Between the Lines, Pendleton spoke candidly about her struggles with approval, particularly from men. She described a desperate quest for validation that often pushed people away. Her earliest memory is of watching her father race, and the book begins with him riding away from her up a hill, with the words 'he doesn't love me' beating through her head.
Pendleton also discussed her twin brother Alex's childhood battle with leukaemia, which she says made her feel she had to fight for attention. She began cycling at six and racing at nine, driven by a desire to be 'really good at something' so people would be impressed by her. She felt responsible for her father's mood and often chose cycling over socialising, filled with guilt if she missed training.
The champion admitted that her emotional nature, sobbing whether she wins or loses, has been both a strength and a burden. She said she finds it hard to act other than the way she feels. Despite her achievements, Pendleton's story reveals a darker side to Olympic glory, one that has left her feeling isolated and misunderstood.
