Swim legend Grant Hackett defied the sands of time to win bronze in the 400m freestyle at the national swimming titles in Sydney on Friday night, six years after retiring.
The 34-year-old clocked 3:46.53, behind 19-year-old Mark Horton’s personal 3:42.34, and 22-year-old defending champion David McKeon’s 3:44.28.
The swim won’t earn him a berth in the Australian team for the worlds in Russia in July, as only the first two qualified. But if Hackett can finish in the top six in the 200m freestyle, he’ll be on the plane in the relay squad.
That would be a huge achievement. Before the meet, Hackett said if he can get to the worlds that it would be as good as winning an Olympic medal.
He should know, having won 1500m freestyle gold back-to-back in Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004.
So why is Hackett keen to return to the rigours of training, and competing against the world’s elite?
Hackett has been to hell and back over the last few years, all of his own making. His out of character bad tempered outbursts cost him his hard-earned image, and his marriage to singer Candice Alley – they were divorced in 2013.
When depression set in, Hackett headed for the US for rehab. The success of that sojourn was seen in the pool on Friday night, but Hackett was gob-smacked.
“I can’t believe I can do that after six months (back in the pool),” he said.
“Who knows what I can do in another six months?”
That is the real question, and how far does Hackett want to go? Rio next year?
But first things first.
There’s little doubt Hackett will finish in the top six in the 200m freestyle to regain his berth in the Australian team where he was such a fixture from 1998 to 2008, and the revered team captain.
But what’s more important is that Grant Hackett is out of the wilderness, he’s found himself and his self-respect. The pool is the litmus test, and to this point he has passed with flying colours.
Craig Watson
Guest
Oh no Lordy. I will forgive your pun. Yes. I dips me lid to Hackett. Back on the Dolphins team after seven years. He will provide mentorship for the younger members even if he does not get a spot on the relay. There are others swimmers making waves (excuse my pun). Is this a breakout year for distance ace Mack Horton. Yank swimming journos have given him with the moniker of "The Knife". Sick or what? Horton,18, is getting closer every swim to world bests in 400, 800 and 1500m.
Bondy
Guest
Has Hackett commenced his swimming career to escape his somewhat dysfunctional social life, winning medals or even qualifying for an Olympics would be fantastic for him but I hope he's not doing this to level out his private life, that would be for the wrong reason .
Jubileepuff
Guest
Well in other sports age and endurance go hand in hand... Just never seen it in swimming. 1500m has the toughest challenge out there with Sun Yang.
Margaret R.
Guest
Best of luck to Grant Hackett. I for one hope hope he makes it. Sad about the catalyst, but that is life, and he has made it back. Congratulations to him, and I really hope he makes it , and is able to leave it all the difficult times behind him..
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Oh dear. When this first broke I looked at the date thought it was an Aprils Fool's story. Just what Swimming Australia needs. In the middle of a rebuilding phase, trying the get away from the "Stilnox" generation, another one of the drug addled legends wants to make a comeback. Really? Good luck is all I can say.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
If he hasn't made up his mind yet, someone has to convince Hackett to have a shot at the 2016 Olympics. What he did yesterday was simply outstanding and almost beyond belief. If he rebuilds his endurance up in the next 12 months I don't see why he wouldn't make the Olympics team. Issue is can he make this his only goal of the next 12-18 months?