Troubled retired swimming star Grant Hackett of Australia was arrested at his family’s home today, February 15th after an apparent drunken rage. “It’s what I’d call a bit of a breakdown,” is how the 3-time Olympian’s father described Hackett’s behavior of ‘ranting and raving’ at his Southport home before calling the police. “Grant’s got a medical problem and it manifested itself here this morning,” his father, Neville, stated to The Gold Coast Bulletin.
Ultimately released without charge, the situation is just the latest in a series of bizarre situations involving Hackett, alcohol and what his family says is ‘now a chronic problem’. Last Spring, after not making his nation’s Olympic team last year after coming out of retirement, Hackett was involved in an alleged altercation on a flight. The victim accursed Hackett of having reportedly forcefully grabbed his nipple, “tweaking” it. Although the alleged victim said he felt “unsafe and violated” by Hackett and the swimmer was questioned by the Australian Federal Police immediately following the flight’s arrival, the victim decided not to press charges.
Hackett’s brother, Craig, told Australian reporters today, that, “From a mental health perspective, I hope something can be done. This is not Grant Hackett, this is a completely different person. I don’t know this person, my mum and dad don’t know this person. He’s there in body, but he is not there in mind, in soul or spirit.”
Hackett is considered an Australian swimming legend, having won gold medals in the men’s 1500m freestyle event at both the Sydney and Athens Olympics, while claiming silver in Beijing. He retired after that 2008 appearance, but made a valiant comeback last year, which resulted in his narrowly missing out on a 4x200m freestyle relay berth.
My heart goes out to this family. Grant is one of the good guys, but his value and confidence as a person has been stripped away. The cause is complicated going back many years I can only assume from personal experience this is how it plays out. Comments made by people in charge of his life driving him to succeed and re-inforcing perhaps if hes dosn’t ‘what else is there’, ‘youll be nothing without swimming’. Those words were meant to spark kids into action but have a big impact on developing brains, the neurological pathways have been cemented and now they roll around to re-inforce what life is like without swimming. (what else is there). He cries out for help… Read more »
this poor dude is a hot mess
Yah his last Instagram was pure mess 🙁
the tabloid press in Australia doesn’t help.
Hopefully France remains forever Murdoch-free….
That’s life more than we care to admit . People have always gone troppo & I recommend researching some of the restriction devices utilised over time for such occasions . They look better lined up in an old disused psychiatric institution with peeling paint etc . But even the modern versions when pics get out into the media – everyone goes omg omg omg let ‘s have a Royal Commission .
The fact is we need more facilities & laws that allow incarceration & applicatin of restraints .for freak outs . A adult version of time out . The good news is that it is no longer a badge of shame .Celebs are always getting carted off & are soon… Read more »
I would be happy to offer him a serious deep exploration of the problem , at the root . Wishing him the courage to search someone damn good to re-align which is chaotic inside .
Terrible stuff. As noted by many, many others, mental health issues are an equal opportunity affliction.
That’s true, I understand why I have meltdowns and as a kid some of my teammates thought me weird. Grant Hackett has it worst since he is well known. The swimming helped to keep him focus for years and without it he needs something else to help him.
My thoughts are with him and his family. Having suffered with no-polar for 14 years I understand how difficult mental health issues are. Exspecially if there undiagnosed and untreated
I mean bi-polar
No-polar got me thinking .
Mental health doesn’t discriminate… can happen to anyone. I hope he seeks treatment and finds peace within himself. It’s not an easy thing to overcome though.
This story is just heartbreaking to read.
Rooting for Grant now more than ever.
U are right , the root can be deep seated and unconscious . I specializes myself in those psychic subconscious patterns . it aint easy to explore but i have success with my clients so far .