Public perception of elite sport as a world of emotionally stable athletes usually comes with the belief that success and glory brings the power to defy the problems of everyday life.

But when things start to go wrong, are sport's heroes better equipped to dodge life's curve balls that can lead to depression in mind, body and career?

Some sufferers, like snooker star Ronnie O'Sullivan, appear to be fighting their way out of the void while others, like disgraced American cyclist Tyler Hamilton, admits his battle is far from over.

Depression rarely leads to fatal consequences, but the tragic death two weeks ago of Australian track cyclist Jobie Dajka has underlined the fact that those we worship can often be fragile in nature.

A world keirin champion in 2002, and considered one of the most gifted sprinters of his generation, Dajka's five-year emotional rollercoaster began with his omission from Australia's squad prior to the 2004 Olympics and came to an end on April 7 when he was found dead in his rented house in Adelaide.

In 2004, Dajka was accused of lying at a Cycling Australia (CA) inquiry into alleged doping and told he was not welcome in Athens, where Australia went on to secure their biggest ever Olympic track cycling medals haul.

Dajka struggled, lost touch and was soon battling alcohol-related and drink-driving charges. An assault on his former coach, Martin Barras, in 2005 then led to a three-year ban from the sport.

Former track great Gary Neiwand - who battled his own personal problems and tried twice to commit suicide - had been helping Dajka for the past year and said the 27-year-old was on the comeback trail.

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