Advertisement

Thorpe manager denies rehab reports

The manager representing Ian Thorpe says media reports the swimming star is in rehab for depression and alcohol abuse are untrue.

It has been widely reported that the 31-year-old entered rehab this week.

In a statement, his management company said that is incorrect and Thorpe was in hospital for a shoulder operation.

The statement says he is now out of hospital and on the mend.

Thorpe has been living in Switzerland for 18 months, but returned to Sydney to spend the Christmas period with his family at his parents’ Panania home.

The 31-year-old, who has been seen at social events over the New Year, including the Australian Open in Melbourne, has spoken of constant pain from an old back injury.

He released an autobiography last year in which he said he had struggled with depression and alcohol abuse.

“Not even my family is aware that I’ve spent a lot of my life battling what I can only describe as crippling depression,” the five-time Olympic gold medallist wrote.

Meanwhile, the director of high performance at Swimming Australia, Michael Scott has expressed his support for Thorpe.

Speaking in Perth ahead of the start of the Super Series international swim meet, Scott said: “Ian’s our greatest Olympian, not just in swimming but in Australia’s history, so our thoughts go out to Ian and his family.

“It’s a personal matter but we wish Ian the very best going forward.”

* Readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.