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Grant Hackett believes his name, and that of Ian Thorpe, will be wiped from the swimming world record books at next week’s ‘swimsuit’ world championships in Rome.
Hackett’s 1500m freestyle world record has withstood seven years of advances in technology, but the retired Australian great believes the advent of full polyurethane suits in 2009 is certain to ensure his 2001 mark is lowered in Italy.
And he has mixed emotions on the subject.
“The one thing you can be sure of at the world swimming championships in Rome is that more world records will be broken. Sadly, plenty of them,” Hackett wrote on Ninemsn.
“It’s no secret that swimmers are moving faster thanks to the new high-tech suits they’re wearing and given FINA’s dubious decision to allow them in competition, manufacturers have embarked on a mini arms race.
“In long course swimming, there are now just four world records across all strokes and distances that haven’t been broken with the aid of the new technology.
“Two (800m and 1500m freestyle) are mine, one is Ian Thorpe’s (400m freestyle) and the other belongs to Dutch sensation Inge de Bruijin (100m butterfly).
“Don’t be surprised if all four fall in Rome.
“The question will be who, or what, deserves the recognition: swimmer or swimsuit? In times past when someone broke a record, everyone stood up around the world and applauded.
“These days, no-one blinks an eyelid and it really is soul destroying for the sport.”
Hackett is one of several big names missing from the young Australian team heading to Rome – with Olympic champion Leisel Jones taking a year off and Olympic medallists Eamon Sullivan and Hayden Stoeckel ruled out through illness and injury.
Former team captain Hackett expects a tough international meet for the Australians and fears the country’s No.2 ranking is under serious threat from European nations.
“Our green and gold army will still be a force in the pool, but just don’t expect a swag of medals like the one Australia managed at the Beijing Olympics or previous world championships,” Hackett warned.
“We’re also missing some of our stars, including Eamon Sullivan and Leisel Jones, the Americans are firing and you can bet we’ll face tougher competition from the British as they gear up for the Olympics in their own backyard.
“Japan and France will also be fierce contenders, trying to knock us off as the second best swimming nation in the world.
“But trying to predict the outcome of a world championship, post an Olympics year, is always difficult.
“While some swimmers may have retired or taken an extended break following the Games, others who missed out on Olympic success, or even selection, may have been training overtime and determined to prove a point.
“And you simply can’t ignore the fact swimmers peak at different times in their careers. Rome may just be their ‘go time’.”
And Hackett has put the onus on triple Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice to ensure Australia remains among the top echelon of the sport in 2009.
“While Libby’s a proven consistent performer, it would be great to see Steph step up and emulate what she did at the Olympics,” he said.
“The true test of a champion is longevity.”