Thursday, January 30, 2014

Ian Thorpe rumored to enter rehab to address depression and alcohol addiction - One report says no!



The YouTube video above states his manager has posted a statement that he has not entered rehab, but an article posted earlier today by the Mail says he has.

The worst kind of drug addict or alcoholic is one who knows that they are an addict and could care less about doing something about. 

The most courageous and inspiring alcoholic is one who tackles the problem, seeks to be rid of it and makes a public declaration that they need help.

I hope this gets clarified soon

From the Mail:
"... The swimmer said he also felt the need to stay silent about his depression, thinking it was a 'character flaw'.

'Not even my family is aware that I've spent a lot of my life battling what I can only describe as a crippling depression.’

He admits in the book that he is ready to speak to his parents about his depression, but this is the first time he has been reported to have sought treatment. ..." 
[Link

Lorde Underwater - Voice over track while she dives, swims and plays beneath the surface



She is one smart girl. I read in Rolling Stone that she reads Sylvia Plath; a poet from the early '60s, she hangs out with Taylor Swift (a woman who is quite good at business), and that Lorde makes all of her artistic and business choices herself. And she is only 17.

Monday, January 27, 2014

The Vieth Report - WHEN THE ATHLETE IS A CHILD: An Assessment of USA Swimming’s Safe Sport Program


The Vieth report has been released: [Link]

I am going to "toot my horn" and a "very large tuba" for the rest of you who have contributed to this subject... 

I am happy to say that most if not all changes that were suggested on this blog are within the Vieth report begging for immediate implementation. Well done guys!

The past two months have been difficult for me; (I have an eventful life)  and these recommendations within this report has made a great start to my new year. 

To be clear these changes, soon to be taking place within USA Swimming, were brought about by the victims, the disenfranchised coaches, an ex-board member, the Safe Sport arm of USA Swimming who in the last three years has had swim uphill against internal politics, and finally you the readers.

I thank all the readers who debated me, schooled me, informed me as to how child protection should be done. I even thank the those that posted anonymous or overt insults for you kept this topic going and made me look even more credible despite my lousy spelling and grammar.

It's now time to blog about swim workouts, jellyfish, and racing.