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Ep. 17 - Gil Dudson - How Alcohol and Self-Sabotage Nearly Cost a Rugby League Star Everything
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In this powerful episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with professional rugby league player Gil Dudson, whose 17-year career includes winning the Super League and Challenge Cup with Wigan Warriors and representing Wales on the international stage.
But behind the success was a darker story.
Gil opens up about his battle with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and a pattern of self-sabotage that led to brushes with the law and multiple court appearances. Known for moving between top clubs as a reliable gap-filler, his career started to fade in his late twenties - until a heart-to-heart with his wife convinced him to keep going.
Then Covid hit. A 3-day drinking binge nearly cost him everything
That moment changed his life.
In this raw and powerful episode, Gil shares:
• The mental health struggles behind a career in elite sport
• How alcohol addiction and low self-worth derailed his progress
• The challenges of financial insecurity in rugby league - including working part-time jobs to support his family
• The comeback story that reignited his playing career
• His transition from athlete to entrepreneur through Futurity Finance
Gil now plays semi-professionally while building a future beyond the game, using the lessons he’s learned to support others on their own journey.
👉 If you’re passionate about sport, mental health, addiction recovery, or entrepreneurship, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a raw look at what it really takes to survive and succeed at the highest level - both on the field and beyond.
🔔 Subscribe for more real, unfiltered stories from athletes, founders, and fighters navigating life beyond the spotlight.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
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#MentalHealthInSport #AddictionRecovery #AthleteToEntrepreneur #RugbyLeagueLife #MenTalkMentalHealth #FromRockBottomToRise #ImposterSyndrome #LifeAfterSport #ResilienceStory #AlchemyHubPodcast
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