Grant Hackett moving on after ‘disappointing’ plane incident

GRANT Hackett admits he was embarrassed by his drunken plane incident in April, but insists he is moving on with his life.

Grant Hackett at the Prime Minister’s Olympic dinner. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

GRANT Hackett admits he was embarrassed by his drunken plane incident in April, but insists he is moving on with his life.

A candid Hackett confirmed to the Herald Sun that he won’t be in Rio, not as a commentator for Channel 7 or as a mentor for the swim team.

“For me in just trying move on with my life,’ he said.

“I was very forthright and honest about the situation and obviously very apologetic.

“It was devastating that something like that actually happened.

“It was really heartbreaking, and it was heartbreaking for my family as well.

“That’s what I find really difficult, when you see them going through that hurt with you.

“I’ve just been able to put it behind me, I’ve moved on with life in a very positive manner and that’s all you can do.”

Grant Hackett being helped off a plane in Melbourne.

Grant Hackett at the Prime Minister’s dinner. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Hackett said he is busy now with his finance interests, property, and doing his PhD in finance.

He said the thing he will miss the most not being in Rio is being on the pool deck with his friends and former team mates, the Australian swim team.

“It’s disappointing, but not disappointing the way people think it is,” he said.

“People thought my life was hinging on a Seven contract to do eight days of commentary, but that wasn’t the case for me at all.

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“The only thing I really wanted to do was to support the teammates there.

“I know them all really well and I understand what they go through and what it takes to get the best out of themselves.

“I guess for me not being on the team as an athlete, then the way to contribute was being there part of the coverage, on pool deck.

“There are going to be people going through all sorts of emotions, with so much pressure, you need all the support you can get.

“That’s the disappointing aspect, not being able to support them.”

Hackett last night attended the Prime Minister’s Olympic dinner at the Melbourne Convention Centre.

The crowd included his former Australian swim teammates Ian Thorpe and Giaan Rooney and legends Cathy Freeman and Steve Hooker.

“It’s a special night,” he said.

“It’s really nice to get into the room and have a chat with everyone and see how things are going.”

The multiple Olympic champion said it is always a special feeling being a gold medallist.

“I had a dream as a 13 year old boy, and to win at a home games (Sydney) was an amazing experience and something you never forget,” he said.