Grant Hackett engaged to Sharlene Fletcher months after baby news
Months after announcing their shock baby news, Grant Hackett and Sharlene Fletcher are now engaged, with the couple revealing their happy news with a close-up of her giant sparkler.
Confidential
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Swimming champion Grant Hackett has announced his engagement to Sharlene Fletcher, three months after revealing they are expecting a baby boy.
Hackett described Fletcher, whom he has been dating for over a year, as the most “supportive soul”.
The father of two says he couldn’t be happier in their relationship and becoming a father again, after admitting he’s been through some challenging times.
“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!,’’ he posted on Instagram.
He then thanked Fletcher, a vegan dessert chef, for “loving all of me”.
The couple’s first child is due on Australia Day next year.
Hackett, who has nine-year-old twins Charlize and Jagger from his first marriage to singer Candice Alley, said he is “so happy and excited to call this beautiful, amazing, kind and supportive soul my fiancee.”
The couple met in 2015 while Hackett was living on the Gold Coast training for a swimming comeback. Fletcher was running a cafe there.
Three years later, in August last year, they started their relationship.
“When we reconnected I was really clear that I wanted to have kids,” Fletcher, 34, told The Daily Telegraph in July.
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Hackett, 39, said he was entirely up for becoming a dad again.
He said: “I felt I was going to hit 40 and I wanted another opportunity as a dad.
“The trouble with being divorced is you’re a father part-time. I hate that.
“I knew I wanted more children but only with a committed person who was going to be a life partner.”
A fit Hackett has turned his life around after some setbacks including a stint in a US rehab facility in 2017.
He is now working in Melbourne at a life insurance and financial advice company.