Uncle Tobys Ambassador since 1999
> Personal Details
> A Day in the Life
> Training Tips
> Question & Answers
Personal Details
| Full Name: | Grant Hackett |
| D.O.B: | 09.05.1980 |
| Nickname: | Hacky |
| Resides: | Melbourne |
| Height: | 198cm |
| Key Swimming Events: | 1500m freestyle, 400m freestyle |
| Favourite Food: | Seafood and UNCLE TOBYS VITA BRITS |
| Favourite Music: | Candice Alley, Smashing Pumpkins |
A Day in the Life
Retiring after the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, I now work as the Head of Sports and Entertainment for Westpac and a TV presenter for Channel Nine. I am an ambassador for blue chip organisations, UNCLE TOBYS, Mitre and Kumho Tyres and I am involved in the Surf Life Saving Foundation, Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the Preston James Fund. I have a gorgeous family Candice and twins Charlize and Jagger, who had their first birthday in September 2010. I love life as a dad; it gets better and better – and I’m getting more sleep too.
Training Tips
Focusing on technique is important, as is warming your muscles properly. This will let you train at your maximum capacity. Efficiency and technique is important, otherwise you tire quickly in the water. Fitness gives you stamina and speed.
Question & Answers
What is your funniest training memory?
Ky Hurst just being himself.
What’s the worst injury you’ve had?
Damage to my right shoulder.
Who was your sporting hero growing up, and now?
Trevor Hendy, Michael Jordan and Kelly Slater. Now, Roger Federer and Tiger Woods.
What’s your most embarrassing sporting moment?
Slipping on the block at a swim meet and whacking my shins. It hurt, however, it was hilarious.
Which movie do you wish you would have starred in and why?
Old School, Wedding Crashers or some sort of comedy because they look enjoyable to make.
What’s your ideal pet and why?
Dog, because they’re loyal and fun.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Former President of the USA.
What’s the most extreme thing you’ve ever done?
Dirt bike riding and riding in a race car.
What’s been your most embarrassing moment?
Stumbling on stage when accepting an award.
If you were as rich as J.K Rowling, what would you do with the cash?
Look after my family and people who are disadvantaged. I’d also have some fun with it!
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
Warren Buffet.
How did you get into your sport and how old were you?
I was 4. I got into it because my brother was beaten in a swimming race by some girls, and being competitive, asked for swimming lessons. Things really grew from there.
At which point did you realise you were good enough to go pro and what happened?
When I was 15/16. It’s not that you’re good enough, it’s the desire to achieve at that level that drives you.
What’s the best and worst thing about your sport?
Winning and friends are fantastic. Early mornings are tough.
What are the four most important things to do if you want to win?
Have drive, determination, commitment and goals.
What’s your secret weapon, eg drinking a raw egg shake before a race, sitting in ice baths, acupuncture etc.
Being relaxed. I have no superstitions, so nothing can go wrong.
What healthy foods do you eat?
UNCLE TOBYS VITA BRITS with fruit. Yum!
What’s the best advice your coach or fellow athletes have given you?
Don’t let any situation upset your focus and enjoy every moment.
What’s something about you that most people don’t know?
That I had 5 wisdom teeth and a lung capacity of 12.60 litres.
What’s your best skill – what makes you a pro?
Nothing in particular, just my will to give it my absolute best in any situation.
Please give us some general training tips, eg drink lots of water, safety tips.
Drink lots of water and have structure in your training program.
