Hackett vs. Perkins Showdown Postponed

BRISBANE, June 22. An anticipated 1500m freestyle showdown between Grant Hackett and Kieren Perkins in Canberra this weekend has been postponed, according to a report in the Australian Associated Press (AAP). The two swimmers will represent Australia in that event at the Olympic Games in September.

Perkins, the world record-holder (14:41.66 set in 1994), will still swim the 30-lap event at the two-day Grand Prix meet. Hackett, however, has decided to focus on the 200m. Hackett, who briefly held the world record at 200 meters, finished third in the event at the Australian Olympic Trials. He added the event to his Olympic program when Michael Klim, the second-place finisher at the Trials and the defending world champion, decided to forego swimming it at the Olympics.

In Hackett's absence, Perkins will clash with Craig Stevens, 17, who was third in the event at the Australian Trials, and with IMer Matt Dunn, who says the last swam the race when he was 14.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use