A sad fall from grace for Grant Hackett

The sad fall from grace for Champion swimmer Grant Hackett was once again highlighted by his ‘plane rage’ incident on a flight from Adelaide to Melbourne after the Australian Swimming trials for the Rio Olympics.

If what has been reported is true and Hackett was intoxicated, then he clearly still has a serious alcohol problem and is in need of assistance from not only his family and friends, but also professional help and guidance.

The transition from being a sporting celebrity with all the glamour and limelight that comes with it back to normal everyday life is obviously something that a number of professional athletes seem to struggle with.

Was it simply the disappointment of missing out on selection for the Rio Olympics and the realisation that his career was finally over? Or is it something far more deep rooted and serious?

Obviously we the public aren’t privy to those details, it should be noted though that Hackett admitted himself to a hospital on the Gold Coast after his latest misdemeanour.

For those who have been quick to jump on the ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ bandwagon and decided to criticise and unleash on Hackett, nobody is perfect and we all have our demons and issues that we have to deal with. Sadly for Hackett because he has such a high profile, is in the media spotlight and is looked upon as a role model there is nowhere from him to hide when he transgresses.

It can only be hoped that with the love and support of his family and friends and professional guidance that Grant Hackett will be able to get his life back on track and succeed in the next chapter, because he did Australia proud and sacrificed so much to achieve as a swimmer.