Athlete Jessica Peris revealed the devastating moment she attempted to take her own life on Wednesday night’s episode of SAS Australia.
The 31-year-old told the directing staff (DS) the attempt took place months after she was forced to drop out of the 2018 Commonwealth Games trials after testing positive to a banned substance – something she has always vehemently denied.
Jessica, who is the daughter of Olympic legend Nova Peris, burst into tears as she explained she felt she had ‘no way out’ after the scandal went viral.
Devastating admission: Athlete Jessica Peris revealed the devastating moment she attempted to take her own life on Wednesday night’s episode of SAS Australia
‘It was all over every newspaper, and it was “Nova Peris’ daughter tests positive to banned substance”. That was hard,’ she said.
Jessica has always strongly denied taking any performing enhancing substances, blaming a ‘substantially flawed’ urine sample.
She hired a lawyer to defend her case, but the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency later rejected her claims.
Denial: Jessica has always strongly denied taking any performing enhancing substances, blaming a ‘substantially flawed’ urine sample. She hired a lawyer to defend her case, but the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency later rejected her claims
‘The last thing I sort of remember about that is being carried out of my mother’s house by paramedics to a hospital,’ she said of the 2019 incident. ‘I felt as if I had no way out’
During Monday’s episode, Jessica said she was still ‘fighting for justice’ today, but added that the frenzy and backlash at the time really affected her mental health.
‘The last thing I sort of remember about that is being carried out of my mother’s house by paramedics to a hospital,’ she said of the 2019 incident. ‘I felt as if I had no way out.’
The directing staff looked completely shocked with her revelation, with Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox responding: ‘So were you trying to kill yourself, or was it…’
‘Yep. I didn’t want to be here anymore,’ she replied through tears.
Speaking to the camera, Jessica – who is mother to 12-year-old Isaac – said it was one of her biggest regrets in life.
Speaking out: Her story touched DS Fox immensely, who proceeded to speak to the camera about how he once contemplated suicide during an incredibly dark time in his life
‘What if I didn’t wake up – my son wouldn’t have a mother,’ she said. ‘My mum wouldn’t have a daughter. But, that’s what it pushed me to.’
Her story touched DS Fox immensely, who proceeded to speak to the camera about how he once contemplated suicide during an incredibly dark time in his life.
‘I was medically discharged from the special forces with PTSD,’ he said. ‘My life unravelled after that. I was failing as a father, as a partner. I figured the best way was to take myself off this planet.
‘Suicide is a f**king dark place to be, when you’re contemplating it. I’ve been there. You feel like there’s no point going on.
Sporting legend: Jessica is the daughter of Olympic legend Nova Peris. She was part of the Australian women’s field hockey team at the 1996 Olympic Games, and the first Indigenous Australian to win an Olympic gold medal
‘A lot of people who don’t understand it feel it’s selfish – but you’re not thinking in a selfish way. You’re actually thinking about other people. You don’t think you’re any use to anyone else, and to be at that point has got to be really low.’
Speaking to a tearful Jessica, DS Fox said: ‘Ultimately, you seem to be sat in the past. Bad things have happened – whether that’s self-inflicted or not, it’s in the past.
‘Your brush with suicide – it’s an upsetting thing to think about, but it’s done now. It’s a turning point, and it’s something you can move forward from in a more positive way.’
Jessica added that she was on the course for ‘redemption’ and to show people ‘who I am as a person’.
‘I’m proud of myself that I’m here to say. I refuse to quit, and I’ll push myself until I have nothing left to give,’ she added.
SAS Australia continues Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Seven
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Moving on: ‘I’m proud of myself that I’m here to say. I refuse to quit, and I’ll push myself until I have nothing left to give,’ Jessica added