Victoria Pendleton confirms split from husband Scott Gardner after five years of marriage

From Prima

Victoria Pendleton has announced her separation from husband of five years Scott Gardner.

The 37-year-old former Olympic track cyclist shared an emotional statement on Twitter which read: 'After 10 years together I am very sad to say that Scott and I have grown apart, despite our best efforts in trying to make our marriage work, we have come to the decision to go our separate ways.

'It has been an extremely difficult time and a tough decision to make. We want to look ahead to the future and stay positive. We would both gratefully appreciate our privacy being respected as we navigate what is a deeply personal time for us.'

The jockey also shared a poignant black and white drawing of a child next to a horse featuring the quote: 'What else have you learned?

'That no matter how it appears, everyone has their struggles.'

Not long after sharing the tweet, the star then added: 'Just realised that last tweet was number 888 the number pinned on my back in Beijing was 8888 a very significant number #superstition.'

The former couple first met when Scott – who is a performance scientist – was looking after the GB cycling team. Their relationship, which started around the time of the Beijing Olympics, resulted in him leaving his job.

The pair went on to tie knot at Colshaw Hall, a lavish country manor house in Cheshire, in September 2013.

'Seeing Scott at the top of the aisle is an image I'll keep in my mind forever,' Victoria told Hello! magazine after their nuptials. 'I'm very lucky to have met him. If I hadn't had done sport, our paths would never have crossed.'

The announcement comes after the former Strictly star had to give up on her quest to climb Mount Everest in May on health grounds.

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