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The fairytale ending to a tremendous career that Grant Hackett so richly deserved sadly never came when he finished sixth in the first semi of the men’s 200m freestyle at the Rio Olympic swimming trials.
The lure of going to a fourth Olympic Games and representing Australia again was obviously too good to refuse. To come so close at the age of 35 was a testament to Hackett’s resolve.
Hackett’s superb career saw him win the Gold in the 1500m at both Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004 – along with four Gold Medals at the World Championships (long course) from 1998-2005.
He won two Commonwealth games Gold medals in the 1500m at Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and Manchester in 2002 along with numerous other medals over the 200m, 400m and 800m showed how versatile he was and stamped him as one of Australia’s greatest Swimmers ever.
For Hackett to put his reputation on the line after a six-year hiatus away from swimming took a lot of courage and self belief especially after his much publicised divorce from Candice Alley.
Thanks for the great memories Grant, you did Australia proud. You were and always will be regarded as a Champion swimmer, hopefully you’ll find the same success in your new endeavours in the next chapter in your life.