Grant Hackett

Grant Hackett succeeded his countryman, Kieren Perkins, as the top distance swimmer in the world, and his overall record rivals that of Perkins and Vladimir Salnikov as the greatest distance freestyler ever. Hackett has been undefeated at his best distance, 1,500 metres, between 1997 and 2006, winning the Olympic gold medal in that event in both 2000 and 2004. His hopes for a third consecutive gold in the event were dashed by Oussama Mallouli. His record at major meets is remarkable, winning the 1,500 at the Commonwealth Games in 1997 and 2002, the 1,500 at the World Championships in 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2005. His streak ended in 2007, when he placed just 7th in the final in front of his home crowd in Melbourne. At the Pan-Pacific Meet, Hackett won the 400, 800, and 1,500 in 1997, the 1,500 in 1999, and the 800 and 1,500 in 2002. He has also frequently won medals at international meets on the 4 x 200 metre freestyle relay team for Australia. Hackett has set one world record at 1,500 metres, 14:34.56 in winning the 2001 World Championship in Fukuoka, Japan. That same year, he also set the World Record on the 1500 m short course, 14:10.10. Both records still stood when Hackett announced his retirement in late 2008.