In the aftermath of the bizarre incident immediately following Australian Olympic Trials involving distance legend Grant Hackett and an in-plane altercation with another passenger, the 35-year old multi-Olympian spoke to the media at length today, April 28th.
After being questioned by Australian Federal Police on reports that an alcohol-influenced Hackett ‘tweaked the nipple’ of the passenger in front of him after reclining his seat, the victim decided not to press charges. However, a black cloud now looms over Hackett instead of the admiration he held just days earlier after impressively finishing 4th in the men’s 400m freestyle and 11th in the men’s 200m freestyle at his nation’s Trials, after just having been back in the pool a little over a year from a 6-year retirement.
The fact that alcohol was involved in the altercation brings back Hackett’s history with Stillnox addiction, although he denies having the same issue currently. Instead, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, Hackett told the media on the Gold Coast today that he will be seeking professional help to curb his binge drinking, from which he says stems from struggling with life in the spotlight.
Hackett, who has lived with his parents since the end of January, says he was able to see the danger signs and acknowledges that his issues need to be addressed.
“I’ve probably drunk too much because you get small windows to be able to drink and you overdo it. That’s where I look and I was clearly seeing the signs, seeing myself feel that pressure and the cracks were starting to appear,” Hackett described.
“I do find it hard being in the limelight, I do find that expectation and pressure and digging up of your personal life to be re-exposed, when I felt in my own space I was just starting to get over that. When I was getting back in the pool I felt I was in a good space.”
Someone who can relate to this situation is Hackett’s U.S. friend and 22-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, who himself has faced demons and a troubled past out of the water including two DUI arrests. As Phelps was originally instrumental in Hackett’s decision to return to the pool in late 2014, he is offering his support to Hackett now in his time of trouble.
“He’s been a huge supporter of mine and a great friend. I’ll always be there for him, and vice-versa in this situation. We’ve exchanged messages and been in touch. I would support him in any way possible. He’s a great support and a great mate.”
Hackett joined Phelps and the rest of the transplanted North Baltimore Aquatic Club crew in Tempe, Arizona late last year and trained under ASU Head Coach Bob Bowman for a couple of months before returning to his home club of Miami.
Through his stint swimming alongside Phelps, Hackett was able to see first-hand how Phelps has been progressing mentally and physically since going all-in on his attempt at making a 5th Olympic Games appearance.
Says Hackett of Phelps, “He’s in a good place at the moment and has certainly had his up and downs. Everyone in life has their share. We’re no different. Just because we do something really well and you are put on a pedestal doesn’t mean you aren’t a fallible human being. You still have the same challenges and emotional hurdles, the same day-to-day challenges.”
On an even more personal level, Hackett addressed how his recent behaviors bleed into his role as a father. “My children are getting older and I love them more than anything on earth. I want desperately to be an example to them and I can’t do that by having these sort of instances. I live my life 99.9 per cent of the time in a very disciplined, focused state. By doing something like this, offending someone on an aeroplane, is not acceptable. I take full responsibility for that,” said Hackett.
“I feel so upset, somewhat depressed, very depressed, that this has overshadowed or taken away from what had been such an amazing few weeks. I feel like I’ve let Australian swimming down. I didn’t mean to cast that sort of shadow, it wasn’t my intention, but unfortunately this has happened,” he said.
“I’m so grateful for the support I’ve had from the team. I’m really shattered about that. All I want to do is see that team successful.”
The day after the alleged plan incident, Swimming Australia released a formal statement revealing the organization was ‘extremely disappointed’.
“The reported incident was particularly surprising, given the manner in which Grant conducted himself over the duration of the event. This included his interaction with the general public, in and around other swimmers over the competition and his transition into a television commentary role following his last race,” Swimming Australia’s statement read.
The organization also conveyed their concern, stating, “Our main concern at this stage is his welfare. Any other issue or decision remains secondary to his well-being at this point in time. We will address other matters at the appropriate time.”
There was once talk of Swimming Australia taking Hackett to Rio in a capacity as a mentor, but the Sydney Morning Herald reports that this plan is nixed. Hackett has been an analyst with the Seven network, but the company hasn’t stated whether or not they’ll be incorporating Hackett into its Olympic coverage.
A roll model isn’t someone who is perfect, it’s someone who takes responsibility, does the painful work of soul searching, perseveres, and makes the changes required to correct and overcome their mistakes. The truly important and meaningful aspect of Phelps’ return, rediscovering his love of the swimming process, isn’t the swimming part. It’s his example of redemption on both a grand and a personal scale. The real value of these two icons, Hackett and Phelps, as roll models, is not their swimming prowess, but their example of how navigate through life’s challenges, especially the self inflicted ones. No one is infallible. Everyone needs redemption
Michael Phelps has rejoined the sport in the best way possible. He reminds me of 2008 Phelps only with love for the sport I don’t think he had last time.