What happens when the one thing you’ve dedicated your entire life to is suddenly taken away?
Shanaze Reade was a BMX world champion and Olympic athlete who spent most of her life avoiding alcohol. Growing up with an alcoholic father, she was determined to follow a different path. But when her sporting career came to an unexpected end, she found herself struggling with the loss of her identity, purpose, and direction.
Looking for an escape from the emotional pain, Shanaze turned to vodka. She remembers taking that first drink and thinking, “This is my new best friend.”
What followed was a rapid descent into alcohol addiction, eventually reaching a frightening moment when she feared for her life.
In this episode of One for the Road, Dave sits down with Shanaze to explore her remarkable journey from sporting success to rock bottom and ultimately finding freedom through sobriety.
Shanaze shares how Alcoholics Anonymous, sponsorship, and spirituality helped her rebuild her life, rediscover her purpose, and find strength beyond the world of professional sport.
Now approaching nine years sober, her story is a powerful reminder that addiction doesn’t discriminate, and no matter how far you’ve fallen, recovery is possible.
Follow Shanaze on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/shanazereade/
Looking for support with your drinking?
Dave offers one-to-one sobriety coaching for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol or ready to make a change.
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