The Mercury yesterday revealed Thorpe had been in hospital since Wednesday for shoulder surgery and was being treated for depression and alcohol issues.
Thorpe’s management released a statement claiming the swimming great was in hospital for treatment on his injured shoulder.
“Ian is not in rehab,” a SEL spokesperson said.
“Ian was in hospital for an operation on his shoulder and is pleased to let his friends and fans know that he is now out of hospital and on the mend.”
SEL was always likely to deny the former Olympic champion was battling depression and alcohol abuse. […]
Grant Hackett said he was taken aback.
“I was only with Ian a few weeks ago,” Hackett said.
“I knew because he’d spoken openly in the past there was some demons he was confronting and battling, but to hear it to this extent did surprise me.
“I didn’t think this situation and emotionally where he was at had deteriorated to this point.
“My heart goes out to him for having the courage to say ‘I’m doing it tough’.
“It wouldn’t be easy and at least he is doing something about it.
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