Grant Hackett: Newborn son for ‘grateful’ former Olympic swimmer

Former Olympic swimmer Grant Hackett and his fiancee Sharlene Fletcher have welcomed their son into the world. He arrived at 9.38am on Saturday weighing 3.4kg, with both mum and dad elated with his arrival. SEE THE PICTURE

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Grant Hackett and his fiancee Sharlene Fletcher have welcomed their son into the world.

Edward Anthony Hackett arrived at 9.38am yesterday weighing 3.4kg, with both mum and dad elated with his arrival.

“I’m very protective so I just wanted to make sure they were both OK,” Hackett told Sunday Confidential.

“I can’t explain how I feel. It’s the most amazing experience and I’m just grateful everyone is healthy and recovering well.”

Grant Hackett, Sharlene Fletcher and baby Edward on Saturday.

While Fletcher is understandably tired, Hackett — who shares twins Jagger and Charlize with his first wife Candice Alley — said the birth was straightforward and both mum and bub were doing well.

“Everything went very well with no complications,” the Olympic gold medal-winning distance swimmer said.

“Sharlene is a bit tired but completely overjoyed with love. Her heart is even more full.”

The couple expect to take Edward home midway through this week, with Hackett set to take a few weeks off from his job as CEO at Melbourne-based investment house Generation Development Group.

Jagger was at the hospital to witness his brother’s arrival, while his twin sister Charlize will meet her sibling soon.

“Jagger was at the hospital for the whole thing — he adores him — and Charlize will meet him as soon as possible,” Hackett said.

It’s been a whirlwind romance for Hackett and Fletcher, who began dating in August 2018 after meeting on the Gold Coast in 2015.

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The pair became engaged in October, with Hackett sharing the happy news on Instagram with a photograph alongside the caption: “So happy to call this beautiful, supportive soul my fiancee. Life has certainly had its moments where your spirit is tested to its full will. However, I have to say, sharing and creating life with @sharlenefletcher_ has brought so much happiness and fun!”

In July, Grant shared ultrasound images of their baby boy to Instagram, telling his followers: “Can’t wait for our little man to arrive in January.”

Hackett told The Sunday Telegraph last year that he wanted another chance to be a full-time dad.

Originally published as Grant Hackett: Newborn son for ‘grateful’ former Olympic swimmer