RismadarVoice Reporters
September 1, 2026
Former British Olympic diver Freddie Woodward has spoken publicly about his years-long struggle with compulsive pornography use, saying the habit began when he was a child and eventually affected his concentration, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Woodward, who represented Great Britain at the 2016 Rio Olympics, said his pornography consumption became almost daily and at times occurred several times a day. He eventually realised he could not stop despite repeated attempts.
The diver retired from competitive sport in 2018 and later spent time working on a cruise ship. He said a long period of self-reflection, including reading and meditation, helped him address the behaviour, and he now says he has been free from it for about two years.
Woodward has since begun speaking to athletes and others about the issue, encouraging greater awareness and access to support.
Sex therapist Paula Hall noted that while “porn addiction” is not formally recognised as a diagnosis, the World Organisation recognises Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder, which focuses on persistent sexual behaviour that causes significant distress or impairment.
Woodward believes the pressures and isolation associated with elite sport can create circumstances in which athletes may turn to pornography or other behaviours as a form of escape, although he stressed that athletes are not necessarily more vulnerable to the problem.
He now hopes his experience will help reduce the stigma surrounding compulsive sexual behaviour and encourage people struggling with it to seek help.
