Hackett Hasn’t Ruled Out Competing Through 2012 Olympics

SYDNEY, July 7. IN a little more than two weeks, Grant Hackett will try to make history at the World Championships in Montreal. If Hackett can claim victory in the 1,500-meter freestyle, he’ll become the first man to capture four consecutive world titles in the same event. The Australian, though, is not simply looking at the present.

In an Associated Press story, Hackett indicated that he may consider swimming through the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The British capital was selected to host the Games on Wednesday, beating out Paris. Sadly, London was rocked Thursday by four terrorist bombings that have left at least 30 people. The bombings centered on the city’s transport system.

At the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Hackett will seek his third straight gold medal in the 1,500 free. If he does compete in London four years later, the Aussie would be in his early 30s. Along with the 1,500 free, Hackett’s schedule at the World Champs includes swims in the 200, 400 and 800 freestyles. He’s expected to duel with Michael Phelps in the 200 and 400 events and enters the competition with 12 medals in world-championship action.

"A lot of athletes these days, when you look at anything from track running to rowing or anything track and field, an athlete's body is almost peaking at the age of 30, 31,” Hackett said. "It's whether I'm willing to go up that black line (but) I certainly think Beijing is not a long enough time for me to see out my career and my potential. I'll certainly go a couple of years past that, but whether I'll go all the way to 2012 I'll have to wait and see."

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