Australian swimming great, Ian Thorpe, has been admitted to intensive care after contracting a potentially deadly infection.
The five-time Olympic gold medalist contracted the infection during a series of shoulder surgeries undertaken at a hospital near his home in Switzerland.
Thorpe has since returned to Sydney to receive treatment at an intensive care ward.
Despite the apparent seriousness of the infection, Thorpe is said to be in good spirits, having a number of visitors to his bedside.
Thorpe’s agent James Erskine, has indicated that the illness will mean the end of Thorpe’s competitive swimming career.
“He will not be swimming competitively again I don’t think,” Erskine stated.
This incident adds to what has been a turbulent period for Thorpe.
He was admitted to hospital earlier this year, diagnosed with depression after police were called to his residence following reports of odd behaviour.
In this case it was found that Thorpe was taking a mixture of anti-depressants and medication for his injured shoulder.
Ian Thorpe remains Australia’s most successful swimmer and Olympian, having represented his country since the age of 14.