Strictly Come Dancing star Iwan Thomas has opened up about his personal struggle with alcohol as he shared his lowest moment online. The 51-year-old Olympian took to Instagram on Monday (July 14) to celebrate one year of sobriety as he opened up about his demons. The retired athlete admitted he sometimes needed four or five drinks to feel relaxed in any social situation.

Those drinks quickly then escalated into downing shots and wild nights that led to periods of hangxiety and depression. He wrote on the social media platform: “Well today is a big milestone for me.

“Being sober isn’t for everyone and it might not be for me forever, But at the moment it’s how I’m choosing to live and if I’m honest I think it makes me a better person. I’m in no way trying to tell people how to live their lives, all I’m saying is I’m proud of myself...”

Sharing a video filmed at his home, Iwan said that while he didn’t view himself as having an alcohol problem, he drank for acceptance and not pleasure.

He admitted he missed drinking, but that he preferred the man he is without it and that it also made him a better dad. The final slide of his post showed him passed out on the floor near a toilet.

It didn’t take long before fans flooded to the comments to share their well wishes and congratulations online. Alcoholism campaigner Calum Best penned: “Really good video this.”

Another follower penned: “This is everything... you don’t have to have a ‘problem’ with drink to want to remain sober, it’s about being & feeling a better person.”

A third chimed in with: “Yes my man! Incredible and I hope you continue with it! Nothing beats feeling great! Legend! You’ve got it!” A fourth echoed: “Great stuff Iwan! So honest of you and should be great advice for many.”

The father-of-three is a decorated 400m runner who took home the gold for the World Championship in 1997 and the 4x400m relay, a silver in the same event at the Olympics in 1996, and individual gold in the 1998 European and Commonwealth Games.

Since his retired from the sport due to an injury in 2006, he has starred in various reality TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Hunted.

The Welshman became a father for the third time last year when his youngest son Bowie was born. He also has sons Dougie, six, and Teddy, three, with his longtime partner.