Olympian Freddie Woodward shares how he overcame a compulsive porn habit

Former Olympic diver Freddie Woodward discussed his teenage porn dependence and the mindset shift that helped him curb the behavior, while experts outlined how to recognize and address problematic use.

Freddie Woodward, a former Team GB diver who competed at the Olympics, described how his porn consumption started at age 12 and escalated to several daily sessions during his sporting career. He credits a mental shift—seeing himself as someone who does not watch porn—to breaking the cycle. Sex-and-relationship therapist Silva Neves warned that the key indicator of an unhealthy habit is the damage it causes to personal and professional life, while Dr Paula Hall linked compulsive viewing to the WHO-recognized compulsive sexual behaviour disorder.

Academic Campbell Ince said most clinicians now accept "problematic porn use" as a real issue, though treatment guidelines are still evolving. The piece cites other public figures, such as TV presenter Ore Oduba, who have spoken about similar struggles, and highlights that the NHS offers no central service, leaving individuals to rely on private practitioners, 12-step groups or self-help resources. Experts also flagged the role of AI-generated porn and algorithmic design in exacerbating the problem, urging more early-intervention support from health services.