Swimming superstar Grant Hackett says it remains a 50-50 decision whether he will retire or swim on to the Commonwealth Games in 2010.
Hackett will make a final decision some time next month, giving him enough time for a serious tilt at next year’s national trials and the 2009 world championships should he decide to continue swimming.
His near miss at a third consecutive 1,500m gold medal at the Olympic Games last month left the 28-year-old at the career crossroads.
Torn between spending more time with wife Candice, building a post-sports career in finance and the life of a mere mortal, or improving on his superhuman swimming achievements, Hackett will use a well-earned break from the pool over the next few weeks to decide.
“I really am split. A big part of me wants to keep racing and keep going because I enjoy it so much,” Hackett said today.
“There’s another part of me that says once I get back into it, am I going to be more motivated for those early mornings?
“When you make a decision to retire, it will be final, no comeback. And if it’s the other way, I want to be committed 100 per cent.
“There’s no real way I’m leaning at this stage. I’ll enjoy a break for now and wait and see if that passion’s still burning.”
Hackett has already ruled out swimming until the 2012 London Olympics.
The question now is does he have the desire to swim until the 2010 Commonwealth Games, to add to his 10 world titles in Rome next year, then possibly cap his career with 1,500m glory in New Delhi?
Hackett also has to decide whether his body – especially a shoulder which requires regular panelbeating after races – can withstand the rigours of distance swimming for two more years.
Signing autographs for more than three hours around Melbourne today at appearances for sponsor Speedo, Hackett said he was pleasantly surprised by the reaction of fans to his Beijing 1,500m silver medal.
“I wanted to win that third gold in a row so bad (at Beijing), but it seems to be second’s just as good. Most people seem to be so supportive,” Hackett said.
“I’ve had a bigger reaction from people this Olympic campaign than the last two.”
Hackett has firm plans for life after swimming – whether now or in 2010 – and is relishing being reunited with his wife.
“I’ve spent 13 of the last 18 weeks away from Candice, and it’s exciting to be back together and enjoying a bit of free time together without the early mornings getting in the pool.
“I’d like to finish off my (commerce/law) degree, and some media stuff. I’ve got sponsors in Westpac and Channel Seven who have shown some interest in that area.
“For me there’s exciting things I’m passionate about I could do post my sporting career, whenever that might be.”
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