Former Olympic swimmer Geoff Huegill has separated from wife Sara.
It follows a trying year for the couple, after Sara’s charge with shoplifting was dropped in August on the grounds of ‘mental health issues’.
The married couple, who share two young children, announced they had amicably split via an Instagram announcement on Friday.
Olympic swimmer Geoff Huegill splits from wife Sara after 13 years together… just months after her shoplifting charge was dropped due to ‘mental health issues’ (Pictured: 2013)
Geoff wrote: ‘It’s with a heavy heart that after 13 years together, Sara and I have made the decision to amicably separate.’
‘We continue to remain friends as our focus will always be on providing a positive, loving and beautiful future for our girls.’
Geoff and Sara married in 2011 and have two young children together – daughters Gigi, five, and Mila, three.
The Australian athlete thanked fans, friends and family for their ongoing support in the post as the pair attempt to navigate ‘the next chapter’ of their lives.
‘It’s with a heavy heart that after 13 years together, Sara and I have made the decision to amicably separate’: Geoff claimed the pair had both chosen to part ways
‘We continue to remain friends’: Geoff’s announcement was made via Instagram and did not include a photo of the pair in happier times
‘Our focus will always be our girls’: Geoff claimed the pair are adamant on remaining friends and providing ‘ a positive, loving and beautiful future’ for their two daughters
While Sara has yet to make a formal announcement of their split, Daily Mail Australia has reached out for comment.
Early this year, Sara was accused of stealing a pair of Bassike pants from a boutique clothing store in Byron Bay on Mother’s Day and later charged with shoplifting.
But in August, the magistrate found that Sara has a mental illness and is suffering from ‘adjustment, depressive, eating and substance abuse disorder’.
The magistrate also acknowledged the socialite’s remorse and dropped the charge on mental health grounds.
Sara’s lawyer had said in a statement in May that she was being treated for issues related to anxiety and depression.
A trying year: In August, the magistrate found that Sara has a mental illness and is suffering from ‘adjustment, depressive, eating and substance abuse disorder’ and dropped her charge of shoplifting made in May (Pictured in May leaving Waverley Local Court in Sydney)
‘My primary focus is to make sure that the health and well-being of my best friend is managed’: In June, Geoff shared a touching tribute to his wife surrounding the charge and her mental health and said he was focused on helping her be the best she could be for their family
In June, Geoff shared a touching tribute to his wife surrounding the charge – which was the last photo he had posted with Sara.
‘For now, my primary focus is to make sure that the health and well-being of my best friend is managed, so she can be the best person she can be for herself and for our family,’ he said at the time.
‘At times, good people make poor choices. We all trip over and make mistakes and unfortunately, we let others down. But that doesn’t make us bad people. I want to extend my heart felt appreciation to those who have supported us and those who continue to support us in these challenging times.’
‘Naturally there are two sides to every story, and there will be a time, when we as a family will share our side,’ Geoff continued.
Sara has not posted with Geoff on her personal Instagram feed in months.
Scandal: Geoff and Sara were arrested for cocaine use in 2014 at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse. Both pleaded guilty to drug possession and were handed six-month good behaviour bonds
The pair are not without their own scandals either.
Geoff and Sara were arrested for cocaine use in 2014 at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse.
Both pleaded guilty to drug possession and were handed six-month good behaviour bonds.
Rivals: Known for her on-again, off-again friendship with Roxy Jacenko (pictured), Sara made headlines last year when she left Roxy’s company Sweaty Betty PR for a second time
Known for her on-again, off-again friendship with Roxy Jacenko, Sara made headlines last year when she left Roxy’s company Sweaty Betty PR for the second time.
She had initially worked for the 37-year-old businesswoman until 2010, when her employment was abruptly terminated for ‘disloyal conduct’.
But after rekindling their friendship in 2017, Sara was rehired as a senior publicist, before parting was with the firm less than three months later.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit: www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support
Have they been split for months? Sara and Geoff have no posted together on their personal Instagram feeds since July