Ian Thorpe enters rehabilitation for depression

Written By Peter Hanson
Ian Thorpe

The Australian was found disorientated after attempting to get into a car he believed belonged to a friend on Sunday having undergone surgery earlier in the week after injuring his shoulder in a fall for which he was taking painkillers.

"Following a fall at home on Tuesday, Ian was admitted to hospital after sustaining an injury to his shoulder. He underwent surgery on Wednesday and was discharged the following day," a spokesperson for Thorpe's management team said in a statement released to Perform.

"On Sunday (Australian time) Ian was taken to Bankstown Hospital and then onto a rehabilitation clinic after being found disorientated and trying to get in to what he thought was a friend's car.

"Ian had been on a series of painkillers and anti-depressants following surgery on his shoulder. No alcohol was involved and Ian was admitted to rehabilitation for his ongoing struggle with depression."

The 31-year-old has previously spoken of his battle with depression and alcohol abuse in his 2012 autobiography entitled 'This Is Me: The Autobiography'.

Thorpe was a freestyle swimming specialist who won three golds at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, before collecting two more in Athens four years later.