I am linking a story about Ian Thorpe. He said he was ready to quit because of all the crap that he takes being who he is. He is training here to get away from all the BS he said he puts up with in Australia. I guess the press is really hounding the guy. He says he is going to tighten his belt and ignore what people are saying about him and try to have the best meet of his career in 2008. It will be interesting to see what he does at the World Championships in Melbourne in 2007.
www.swimnews.com/.../displayStory.jhtml
Former Member
I know this is all in good fun and believe me I have a sense of humor. But there are many people with alcohol adictions (Mel probably being one of them), who really don't appreciate joking about it. No I am not an alcoholic, but am related to some. All I am asking is to show some sensitivity to those who are stricken with the addiction.
Sam actually Mel was a swimmer and I wondered if he had a record time for the 200. I don't think he was an alcoholic it was an easy out for him to plead the way he did.
Mel said this "Always swim in guarded waters," states Gibson, who is an avid water-sports enthusiast and a father of seven. "I always tell my kids that if you go to the beach, go in the water near or within sight of a manned lifeguard station. Beyond that I think kids should all learn how to swim. I mean it's really the beginning. You can't become any good at surfing or any other water sport unless you're a strong and confident swimmer."
Originally posted by geochuck
I don't think he was an alcoholic it was an easy out for him to plead the way he did.
That's your opinion. Anyone who says the things he said, DRIVES A CAR at that blood-alcohol level, and shows an entirely different persona when sober has a serious drinking problem. Trust me, I know when someone is just out partying and when someone has a drinking problem. Personality changes, putting yours as well as others lives at risk are definite signs. I am done with this back to swimming.
I think Ian Thorpe has some serious genetic issues finally catching up with him. If you have ever seen his mother, she is a very large woman. If he has started putting on weight, maybe from lack of training and burgers as the Australian media have said, you have to think the genetic makeup God gave him through his parents might have something to do with the weight gain. If that is the case, he has a lot to overcome to avoid it.
