Swimmer Ian Thorpe reveals battle with depression

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia's five-time Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe has spent much of his life battling depression, and even considered suicide, excerpts from a new book by the swimmer revealed on Saturday.

The swimmer also uses the book to address persistent rumours about his sexuality, saying: "For the record, I am not gay", adding that he would one day like to have a family.

The soon-to-be-released book This is Me: The Autobiography describes the athlete's struggle with what he describes as "crippling" depression, which led him at times to drink large quantities of alcohol.

"I even considered specific places or a specific way to kill myself - but then always baulked, realising how ridiculous it was. Could I have killed myself?" the 30-year-old wrote in an excerpt in the Sydney Morning Herald.