Tadej Pogacar, the renowned professional cyclist, has often been admired for his remarkable achievements in the world of sports. However, in a recent revelation, he shared a deeply personal part of his life that many of his fans and followers may not have known: his battle with a gambling addiction during his younger years. The star athlete openly discussed the challenges he faced, the shame he felt, and the lengthy journey to recovery that eventually led him to overcome the addiction.
In his own words, Pogacar described how his gambling habit consumed him to the point where it overshadowed everything else in his life. While most kids his age were focused on achieving success in school, forming relationships, and enjoying their teenage years, Pogacar found himself entirely preoccupied with gambling. “I once had a gambling addiction, it was so bad all I could think of was just to gamble,” he said. For him, the allure of the casino and the thrill of gambling became his primary focus, much to the detriment of his education, health, and family life.
The addiction was all-encompassing. Pogacar admitted that he could not concentrate on anything else, and it affected his well-being on multiple fronts. He would spend his days in casinos or alleyways, trying his luck, but without ever winning. The strange part of it all, he revealed, was that even though he never saw any positive outcome, he couldn’t bring himself to quit. “The funny part was I never won and I didn’t bother to quit,” he confessed. This destructive cycle continued for some time, but the turning point came when he heard a story that shook him to his core.
Pogacar recalled how he learned about another gambler—someone he did not personally know—who tragically took his own life due to the overwhelming debt caused by his addiction. This heartbreaking news became the wake-up call Pogacar needed. “I didn’t want to end up like him,” he explained. At that moment, he realized that he needed to make a change. The first step toward recovery was opening up to his family, something that had been difficult for him due to the shame he felt. With their support, Pogacar embarked on a months-long journey of therapy and healing.
It was through this process that Pogacar found closure and ultimately overcame his gambling addiction. Although it was not easy, the months of therapy allowed him to gain control over his life once again, and he emerged from the experience stronger than ever.
By sharing his story, Pogacar not only sheds light on the struggles of dealing with addiction but also serves as an inspiration to others facing similar battles. His openness about the shame and challenges he endured provides hope that recovery is possible, no matter how insurmountable the obstacle may seem.
