SYDNEY, Australia, September 15. AUSSIE Grant Hackett, who will chase his third consecutive gold medal in the 1500-meter freestyle at next year's Olympic Games in Beijing, is hoping to win a spot on the International Olympic Committee's Athletes Commission.
Hackett will learn if he earns a spot on the commission when the vote for the four positions is held at next year's Games in China. Hackett won the nomination of the Australian athletes and now must negotiate his international challengers.
"It's a massive honor and something I've wanted to be involved with for a number of years such is my passion for the Olympics," Hackett was quoted as saying by the Herald Sun. "I love the Olympic movement and I feel this will be the springboard so to speak to have a stronger voice in the Olympics and to help athletes' welfare."
Hackett will go against the likes of former Russian Olympic sprint champion Alex Popov, a current member of the commission. Popov could seek another eight-year term. Only one athlete per sport is eligible for a role.