This month, in our series, “After the Applause”, ISHOF speaks with long distance swimming icon, Grant Hackett. The bio below is from Grant’s 2014 Induction bio.
Grant Hackett’s specialty was the 1500-meter freestyle; he was unbeaten from 1997 to 2007, winning every major world competition. His four world championship gold medals in this event make him the only swimmer to have won a world title in one event four times. In total, he won ten world championship titles, and in 2001 at the FINA World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, he set a world record that lasted over ten years, finally broken by China’s Sun Yang, in Shanghai, at the 2011 Championships.
Hackett is best remembered for winning back-to-back gold medals in the 1500-meter freestyle at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and the 2004 Games in Athens, although his Olympic career spanned from 2000 to 2008, totaling, three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal in the freestyle events. During his career, he set a total of 15 world records, 5 long course and 10 short course.
This month, we proudly share a question and answer session we had with Hackett and his answers give a great insight into his life today after his competitive career. We hope you enjoy his honest insights….
- You were inducted in 2014, tell us what you have been up to since then?
Since 2014, I’ve remarried and welcomed two more children, Edward (2020) and Olympia (2023), joining my 16-year-old twins. Professionally, I joined a small ASX-listed company and became CEO within 12 months. We’ve grown from a $50 million market cap to a multi-billion-dollar ASX 200 company. Finance and investing have always been a passion of mine, much like swimming. Today, I lead several hundred staff nationwide. It’s demanding, but I love building and leading at scale.
- What do you do for work / as a profession?
I’m Group CEO of Generation Development Group. We manage close to $40 billion in assets across three core areas: tax-effective investment solutions, financial product research and ratings, and asset management. It’s a high-performance culture — not that different to elite sport.
- Are you still involved in swimming in any capacity?
Yes. I was Chairman of the 2032 Olympic Legacy Committee and still support the sport when needed. I mentor athletes from time to time and enjoy helping them navigate performance, pressure and career decisions. As my work life eventually slows and my kids grow older, I’d happily contribute more to Australian/World swimming.
- Do you still stay in touch with any swim mates from your competition days, if so, who?
Absolutely. I speak weekly with Michael Phelps — we’re very close and support each other, particularly around mental health. I also stay in touch with Michael Klim and Chris Fydler. Ironically, one of my biggest rivals (being the USA) is probably the one I’m closest to today.
- If you have children, do your kids swim, if yes, tell us about them, if no, tell us about what they are involved in (sports, arts, etc.)
All my kids have swum at some stage. My eldest loves athletics — the 100m, 200m and especially the 400m. He must like pain!… We must share that characteristic. Edward, who’s six, loves swimming and is built like a mini version of me. Whether he pursues it will come down to mindset, not ability. I’m not a pushy dad — but I am an honest one. I don’t mind what they choose, as long as they commit and give it their best.
- What is best memory of your days in swimming? (You can have more than one)
The camaraderie. The laughter. Traveling the world with teammates. Being in an environment where everyone — athletes, coaches, staff — was driven to be the best in the world. That collective pursuit of excellence is powerful. Winning is fun — but building greatness together is even better.
- Seeing the changes that have occurred in swimming/aquatics now versus when you were competing, do you wish you could have competed now, or are you glad you competed when you did and why?
I have no complaints. But the 800m freestyle being added to the Olympics would have suited me — it was my strongest event for much of my career. More frequent World Championships would have created additional opportunities too – as it was every four years when I commenced my international career. That said, I’m grateful for my era. Every generation has its moment. On the male side I had – Thorpe, Phelps, Popov & Hoogenband – it was an amazing time to be in the sport.
- Have you written a memoir/book about yourself, if yes, what’s the title and can our readers purchase it? If not, do you ever plan on writing a book?
I haven’t written one. If I ever do, it would be later in life. I’d want it to reflect the full journey — swimming, business and personal growth — told honestly. That’s the challenge. I’m naturally private, and telling the story properly would require complete transparency. If I write it, it won’t just be about swimming.
- Any advice to all the future want-to-be Olympic swimmers out there?
People ask if it’s worth the sacrifice. I’d pay ten times the price to stand on the blocks at an Olympic Games again — especially a home Games — and compete for my country. There is nothing like it. If that’s your dream, chase it relentlessly. You’ll never regret giving everything to something that matters. I now get to live & die with those beautiful memories.
- As an Olympian, National Team Member, you travelled all over the world. What was your favorite place you visited, or your favorite meet to attend?
Japan. The energy, the enthusiasm, the respect for athletes — it was incredible. I always seemed to swim fast there. I broke multiple world records and won many titles competing in Japan. The atmosphere, the crowds, the professionalism — it just clicked for me. When I read this question, Japan was the first place that came to mind.
Grant Hackett is also a member of the ISHOF Selection Committee, that votes on and helps choose those deserving individuals that are chosen for induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
To read Grant Hackett’s full biography, click here: https://ishof.org/honoree/honoree-grant-hacket/