Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton's heartbreak as twin brother tragically dies

22 June 2023 , 13:55

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Victoria Pendleton paid tribute to brother Alex on social media (Image: Instagram/victorilou)

Double Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton has paid tribute to her twin brother Alex, who has died at the age of 42 after battling a brain tumour.

In an emotional Instagram post, she wrote: "If you know me then you likely know my twin brother Alex, I just wanted to let you know that this morning Alex sadly passed away after an epic battle against an aggressive brain tumour.

"He will be painfully missed by many. Rest in peace my kind, brave twinnie, you will forever be in our hearts."

Dame Kelly Holmes and TV presenters Dermot O'Leary and Ben Fogle were among those to share messages of support. Alex had previously battled leukemia as a child but his cancer returned after a lengthy remission.

Alex was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just four

He was diagnosed at just four years of age after being by a wild rose thorn caused blood poisoning. Pendleton opened up on his cancer battle when she starred on Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, revealing how he continues to inspire her.

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She previously credited him as part of the reason behind her Olympic success as his battle drove her on to win the biggest prizes on offer.

Pendleton represented Team GB at the Olympics in 2004, 2008 and 2012. In the latter - her home Olympics in London - she won gold in the keirin and silver in the sprint behind Australia's Anna Meares.

After ending her professional cycling career, the 42-year-old embarked on a second career as a jockey. She took part in her first race in 2015, with further recorded results the following year.

Winner Victoria Pendleton with her gold medal

Victoria Pendleton competes at London 2012 (Getty Images)

She went on to race at Cheltenham on Gold Cup say in 2016, afer falling in love with the sport. “It was a dream, it was audacious, it was ridiculous,” she said at the time. “And you know what? I got round on the horse. I feel awesome about it.

“A better, more experienced jockey would have won that race today. If I hadn’t had a ride that was that smart, that canny and that experienced I wouldn’t have got into fifth position."

TV presenter Fogle led the messages of support underneath Pendleton's post. "I am so so so sorry Vic. Sending you all my love," he wrote. This Morning host O'Leary added: "So sorry, lovely fellow."

Dame Kelly Holmes, herself a multiple Olympic champion, shared a message of her own. "I am so so sorry to read this Vic," she wrote. "sending much love to you and family Xx."

Her sentiments were echoed by Kirsty Gallacher, who wrote: "Oh I am so sorry Victoria, sending so much love to you all."

Tom Victor