Olympic swimming great Grant Hackett is to take another step in his comeback following a troubled spell in retirement at the Australian swimming championships starting on Friday, and is relaxed about his chances.
The 34-year-old walked away from the sport in 2008 after winning the 1,500m freestyle at both the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, and claiming four world titles in the event. He won silver in the event at the 2008 Olympics.
However, his life later ran into problems, with a messy divorce from singer-songwriter Candice Alley and reports that he smashed up his Melbourne apartment.
Photo: AFP
Last year the former 1,500m world-record holder underwent rehab in the US after seeking help for an addiction to sleeping pills.
He is now back under his old coach Denis Cotterell and is to line up on the blocks at the national championships in Sydney.
Hackett told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the upheaval in his life led him back to the pool, but he was a different swimmer the second time around.
“I don’t have expectations like I did before and I sort of reserve the right to pull out at any time,” he said.
Hackett added that the championships would allow him to gauge his place among the country’s elite swimmers.
“Whilst I am enjoying it I will continue to do it, but if I don’t enjoy it, I can pull out at any time because it’s not like I have set up any grand vision of this big comeback,” he said. “I want to just enjoy swimming and hopefully swim fast.”
Despite the 1,500m being the event where he enjoyed huge success, his comeback has focused on the 200m and 400m freestyle.
Hackett said swimming competitively in the 1,500m again was currently out of his reach.
“If I really want to continue with this and if I look to going all the way to the Olympic trials next year... it’s just really too short a time frame,” he said. “For the time that I’ve actually had out of the sport and the fitness and the base work that actually needs to be done for a race like that, it would just be too difficult.”
Cotterell said retirement had not diminished Hackett’s work ethic.
“He trains like he used to and that’s as hard as anyone can possibly go,” Cotterell told the national broadcaster.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely