Struggling with depression Ian started drinking this was even during the 2004 Olympics. He tried to drown his demons by drinking which consequently lead to him to feeling worse and further have a drink problem where he became even more depressed making him think of suicidal thoughts. He said that even though he knew drinking was making it worse he didn’t know what to do and how to get out of the dark place.
Ian Thorpe (The Thorpedo) Australians five-time Olympic champion has revealed thoughts of suicide and depression through his record breaking career.
Thorpe has only opened up to his family this year announcing that he had the disease from a young age and throughout his career as an elite swimming athlete. He has learnt to control the problem enough to speak publically and has an autobiography ‘This Is Me’.
12th October
So where did it go wrong…
11 World titles,
Five-time gold Olympic Champion,
A glittering career,
Australia’s greatest athlete and most recognised sports people.
Or…
Rumours about his sexuality,
Drinking to avoid demons,
Unsuccessful attempt to qualify for London 2012 after coming out of retirement in 2010.
JPCSimpson 