Ian Thorpe’s management have denied the five-time Olympic gold medallist is in rehab for depression and alcohol abuse.

Reports yesterday suggested the former swimmer had entered rehab, but Thorpe’s manager said the 31-year-old had been in hospital for a shoulder operation.

According to his representatives, Thorpe is now out of hospital and recovering.

“Ian Thorpe is not in rehab,” SEL Management said in a statement yesterday.

“Ian was in hospital for an operation on his shoulder and is pleased to let his friends and fans know that he is now out of hospital and on the mend.”

Thorpe has been living in Switzerland but returned home over Christmas, including visiting Melbourne for the Australian Open.

The former swimmer has previously detailed his experiences with “crippling depression” in his 2012 autobiography, as well as his use of alcohol “to rid his head of terrible thoughts”.

Reports in Australia had suggested Thorpe had sought treatment for depression and issues with alcohol at a rehabilitation centre after being admitted to hospital in Sydney on Wednesday following a fall.

Thorpe won five Olympic gold medals in 2000 and 2004 but a comeback attempt ahead of the London Games was unsuccessful.

Instead he worked as an analyst for BBC TV and developed a big following in the UK for his charismatic and in-formed views.

TV presenter Clare Balding, who worked alongside Thorpe in 2012, said: “As well as being a sporting icon, Ian is such a warm, thoughtful and sensitive man. I much hope we’ll see him back to his best very soon.”