def friends(self):
        """
        :return: Iterator of :class:`stravalib.model.Athlete` friend objects for this athlete.
        """
        if self._friends is None:
            self.assert_bind_client()
            if self.friend_count > 0:
                self._friends = self.bind_client.get_athlete_friends(self.id)
            else:
                # Shortcut if we know there aren't any
                self._friends = []
        return self._friends
:return: Iterator of :class:`stravalib.model.Athlete` friend objects for this athlete.