Australian Distance Great Grant Hackett Races For First Time in Comeback

Photo Courtesy: Bob Donnan - USA Today Sports

BRISBANE – Australian distance swimming legend Grant Hackett, 34, made his return to competitive swimming with an impressive swim in the 400m free at the Medal Shots Queensland Long Course Meet at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre this weekend.

Six months into his comeback, Hackett posted an impressive win in 3:55.68. A back-to-back Olympic champion in the 1500m freestyle in 2000 and 2004, Hackett has not competed since the 2008 Olympics, where he won silver in the 1500m.

Check out video highlights from Hackett’s return here.

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Ken Innes

9 years ago

Why, why, why!!!!!

Misha

9 years ago

Reply to Ken Innes

Because his life had “come off the rails” after retirement (divorce, etc) so he has returned to what he knew best – former club, former coach. He’s happier, more content, wiser, and I doubt he really gives a stuff about what anyone else thinks, i.e. he is making a comeback for all the right reasons. Why can’t he do what he enjoys without people questioning why?

commonwombat

9 years ago

Reply to Misha

If his reasons are as you state, Misha, then all power to him. Unfortunately, the history of some previous cases does engender some degree of cynicism ….. but as you say, it’s his decision.

Further to his 400, his 200 time was a 1.50.68 which was good enough for 2nd behind McKeon.D’s 1.47.86. His 100 time was 51.38, another 2nd placing, this time behind Nedward McKendry’s 50mid.

Bill Bell

9 years ago

Right on, Misha!

Cut the guy some slack and marvel at his fortitude/purpose.

So he likely won’t make it to Rio..at least he’ll have given it his best effort and you cannot ask for more than that.

Go get ’em Hack!

Oscar Pellizzon

9 years ago

Because he can do whatever he pleases and it none of ur business why!

Leander

9 years ago

Reply to Oscar Pellizzon

Actually, since he’s a professional athlete, it is our business.

Since he is Grant Hackett, and only 34 years old, he can probably do fairly well even compared to elite swimmers. But, he still won’t be the Grant Hackett of the mid-2000s, and it’s sad to see great athletes decline. And, in swimming, decline is painfully obviously because you are competing against the clock.

I wish him good luck and great training and hope that he finds what he is looking for in his comeback.