Victoria Pendleton, the former Olympic cyclist, has opened up about the profound grief she has experienced following the death of her twin brother, Alex, who passed away in June 2023 after battling stage 4 brain cancer. Approaching the third anniversary of his death, Pendleton described the emotional toll of losing someone so closely connected to her and the long journey toward finding strength and acceptance.

Pendleton, who grew up in Bedfordshire alongside her siblings Alex and Nicola, recalled the unique bond she shared with her twin. The pair viewed themselves as “twinnies,” united by a strong, almost fated connection. Alex’s illness was initially misdiagnosed as a stroke before his cancer diagnosis. Despite the grim prognosis of 12 to 18 months, he faced the disease with remarkable optimism, continuing to live life fully for several years before his death at age 42.

Reflecting on her grief, Pendleton acknowledged the complexity of emotions she has navigated. She spoke candidly about the bitterness she once felt toward past coaches and the physical and mental struggles that followed her brother’s passing. However, she emphasized how time, perspective, and maturity have helped her find forgiveness and peace. “You don’t realize it at the time, but when you are angry about stuff and you can’t change it, it just sits with you and the only person that was hurting was me,” she said.

Now living a quieter life in Tinsley, away from the public spotlight, Pendleton shares her days with her partner and their pets, engaging in outdoor activities despite ongoing home renovations. Her mother, who recovered from a triple heart bypass last summer and supported Pendleton through a period of depression in 2019, is expected to move in once the renovations are complete. Pendleton also recounted the bittersweet experience of temporarily losing her Olympic medals during the refurbishment, which have since been recovered but are not prominently displayed.

The loss of Alex has deeply shaped Pendleton’s recent work, including her new self-help book, *The Fear Opportunity*, which builds on scientific insights and personal lessons about overcoming negative self-narratives, reframing failure, and embracing life’s moments fully. The book centers on the message that life is too short to be burdened by fear and regret.

Pendleton also revealed a tattoo on her chest bearing Alex’s name intertwined with a heart and flanked by peonies, symbolizing the connection they shared and the flowers that once filled his hospital room. She described a continued sense of closeness to her brother, often speaking to the tattoo during walks, and likening life to “a dance” rather than a struggle—a metaphor that captures her evolving outlook.

Though still mourning, Pendleton conveyed a clear sense of gratitude for her relationship with Alex and the resilience it has inspired. “I am so incredibly grateful for the life that is afforded me,” she said, emphasizing that while her grief remains present, it does not define her.