Geoff Huegill thanks Sara Hills and coach, Keith Saggers for mending his drug abuse life
The 2010 Commonwealth gold medallist, Geoff Huegill thanked his fiancée, Sara Hills and coach, Keith Saggers for mending his drug abuse life. Previously, the Australian butterfly champion, Huegill declared that after his retirement, he was deeply involved
in the usage of drugs, which also drove him to suicidal thoughts.
The Australian expert retired from swimming in 2004, as he failed to make an impression on the aquatic arena in any of his main events at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Before his retirement, the Australian shined at the 2000 Olympic Games, where he won
a silver and bronze medal in 4*100m medley relay and 100m butterfly, respectively. Furthermore, he also won two gold medals in 50m butterfly and medley relay at the 2001 World Long Course Championships.
Further explaining the situation, Huegill said, “By 2005 my party life had given me a drinking problem, financial worries, and I was experiencing depression," he said in the book. I also started having suicidal thoughts. If I wasn't catching up on a lifetime
of sleep in 2005, I was either drunk or off my face, partying away what little money I had left. I had no direction or goal in life.”
Huegill added, “I was in a downward spiral and powerless to do anything about it. I was ruining the reputation I had worked for in the pool and was letting down my friends and the few remaining sponsors I had.”
In addition, the Australian said that he remained involved in such a drastic routine and gained almost 45kg of weight, which turned him 135kg. The Australian proclaimed that he came on the right path when he met Sara in 2007. He also admired the help of
his coach, Saggers, who helped him gain dedication towards his profession.
With the help of these two personalities, Huegill made a comeback to swimming in 2008 and made a splash at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, where he earned two gold medals and a silver medal in his main events.
Huegill also expressed that he has regained his devotion and is now completely focused towards the 2012 London Olympic Games.
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