Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe was battling alcohol problems and depression as he struggled to cling on to his career after the Athens Olympics, his new tell-all autobiography has revealed. The book was written in conjunction with author Robert Wainwright and will be released through publishers Simon and Schuster on October 1. Read for instance Perth Now and News Track India
The Olympic gold medallist’s former mentor and swimming legend Shane Gould, whose husband Milt Nelms coached Thorpe, said she first picked up on the tell-tale signs of Thorpe’s depression when he returned from the US in 2006.
“He was quite uncertain and emotional, which can be a sign of depression. I said to Milt, ‘I think he needs some professional help’,” she said.
Gould said she was aware of his problems with alcohol.
“The trouble with alcohol is it’s a depressant and it can be the cause (of depression),” Gould said.
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