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Profile

Grant Hackett’s leadership, professionalism, dedication and exemplary performance are a model for anyone whose work calls them to lead by example. In 2005 Grant was named Captain of the Australian swimming team, and it is not surprising that his nickname soon became “Captain Fantastic”.

Grant was named World Swimmer of the Year in 2005. He has held the world record for the 1500m freestyle since 2001 and the 800m freestyle since 2005. Grant is easily Autralia's most medaled Olympic and World Cup swimmer.

Grant retired from swimming in 2008. His story in and out of ‘the fast lane’ is a master class tour in performance management, harnessing effort and doing the simple things very well. It is no surprise that Grant's next chapter is proving to be just as successful. Grant is now the Head of Sports & Entertainment for Westpac, and is a TV presenter for Channel Nine. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Law, has a Diploma of Financial Services, and is currently undertaking an Executive MBA.

Grant is an Ambassador for Westpac, Uncle Toby's and Mitre, and is also involved in the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, the Preston James Research Fund, and the Surf Life Saving Foundation.

Personal Information
Name Grant Hackett
D.O.B 9th May 1980

Interesting Facts
Marital status Married
Something we didn't know I have five wisdom teeth
Favourite music Anything and everything
Favourite movie Braveheart
Hobbies Surfing, golfing and watching DVD's
Favourite sporting team Wallabies and Broncos
Who has been the greatest influence in your life My parents because I really believe a person is a product of their environment
What age did you start swimming and why Age 4, I wanted to do it because my brother did
Pet German Shepherd named Blade
Favourite food Seafood
Describe yourself Disciplined, persistent and caring
Favourite quote "Keep it simple"
Career History

2008
  • Channel Nine presenter
  • Head of Sport & Entertainment - Westpac
  • Westpac Ambassador
  • Uncle Toby's Ambassador
  • Mitre Ambassador

Swimming History

Olympics
2008 silver 1500m freestyle
2008 bronze 4 x 200m freestyle
2004 gold 1500m freestyle
2004 silver 4 x 200m freestyle
2004 silver 400m freestyle
2000 gold 1500m freestyle
2000 gold 4 x 200m freestyle

Commonwealth Games
2002 gold 1500m freestyle
2002 gold 4 x 100m freestyle
2002 gold 4 x 200m freestyle
2002 silver 200m freestyle
2002 silver 400m freestyle
1998 gold 1500m freestyle
1998 gold 4 x 200m freestyle
1998 silver 400m freestyle

FINA World Championships
Grant is the only swimmer in history to win 4 consecutive world titles in the same event (1500m freestyle).
He is also the most decorated Australian in FINA World Championships with 18 medals.
gold x 10
silver x 6
bronze 2

World records
Grant has broken a total of 14 World Records and currently holds the 800m & 1500m short course and 1500m long course records. His 1500m long course record is the longest surviving swimming world record, remaining unbeaten today even with the introduction of the new high tech swim suits such as the Arena X-Glide, the Speedo LZR Racer, and the Jaked 01.
800m freestyle 7 minutes and 38.65 seconds
1500m freestyle 14 minutes and 34.56 seconds


Awards and Accolades

2006
  • The Don Award, Sporting Hall of Fame
  • Awarded Telstra's 'Swimmers' Swimmer of the Year Award'

2005
  • First man in history to win 4 back to back World Championship 1500m freestyle titles
  • Telstra Swimmer of the Year Awards
  • 'Peoples' Choice Award' - voted by the public
  • 'Swimmers' Swimmer of the Year'
  • 'Middle distance Swimmer of the Year'
  • 'Long distance Swimmer of the Year'
  • 'Swimmer of the Year'
  • Named Captain of the Australian Swimming Team

2004
  • Australian Export Awards 'Special Achievement Award'
  • Order of Australia Medal

Community Involvement

  • Preston James Research Fund Ambassador
  • Alannah & Madeline Foundation Ambassador
  • Surf Life Saving Foundation Ambassador



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