Retired swimmer Leisel Jones recalled extreme dieting, depression and suicidal thoughts in her new autobiography, according to excerpts in Australian media.
Jones, 30, won nine Olympic medals, tied for the most by an Australian with Ian Thorpe, and previously talked about her battle with depression. Thorpe has, too.
Nicknamed “Lethal” Jones, her physical appearance was scrutinized in swim-mad Australia. As was her performance in the pool. The breaststroke phenom who made her first Olympic team at age 14 in 2000 needed five more years before winning her first individual World title and eight more before her first individual Olympic gold.