After reports of a similar nature emerged and were just as quickly labeled a false start late last week, it’s again being reported that Australian swimming champ Ian Thorpe has been admitted to a rehabilitation clinic in Sydney to address issues of alcohol abuse and depression.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Thorpe was admitted to hospital in the early hours of Monday morning after police were reportedly called to a suburban street in south-west Sydney following “concerns raised for a man seen near a vehicle” nearby Thorpe’s family home. A disoriented Thorpe, who was described as both being with a friend and trying “to get into what he thought was a friend’s car”, was then taken to hospital for treatment, and soon after admitted to a clinic.
Thorpe’s manager, James Erskine, has confirmed to Fairfax that “he had taken antidepressants and painkillers because of his shoulder,” which he had injured in a fall last Wednesday. “He had no been drinking. There was no alcohol involved. He was disoriented.”
Erskine continues, “the false reports did upset him. I’m not saying it sent him in a downward spiral but it did upset him. He didn’t go to rehab. That’s the truth. Everyone has to give him some space… He has got to get better and he is going to need outside help. He has got to confront the problems and get better.
“There wouldn’t be an Australian who is living today who hasn’t got the pride and joy of seeing Ian Thorpe swimming and winning [five] gold medals, and who wouldn’t wish him well. He’ll get through this.”
Support and information is available for those requiring assistance pertaining to mental health issues online at Lifeline, beyondblue, Reach Out, Headspace and Sane.
You can also phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 4642 or Mensline on 1300 789 978.
