REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Monday, August 23, 2004

GRANT Hackett’s Olympic 1500m freestyle victory was all about heart.

In the fastest and closest race in the history of the event, the Gold Coast then-24-yearold dug deep and cast aside muscle tightness, fatigue and lingering health problems to claim his second successive gold medal in the event.

With an emotional pump of his chest gestured towards his loved ones, Hackett thanked those who helped him through the toughest year of his life.

In a year which had been plagued by health complications, Hackett’s eightyear unbeaten reign as 1500m freestyle champion faced its biggest challenge.

While his teenage rivals closed his lead until the final 100m sprint, Hackett tenaciously called upon his last reserves to claw his way to the gold medal and Olympic record.

He clocked 14min 43.40sec, followed by American Larsen Jensen (14:45.29) and Briton David Davies (14:45.95).

Inspired by the support from family, friends, teammates and coaches, Hackett had achieved a feat which was almost derailed by health issues.

”It was towards my mum and father, brother and his girlfriend Nicky, coach (Denis Cotterell) and my teammates who all mean everything to me,” said Hackett of his emotional celebration. “I just wanted to share that moment with the people who have done so much to help me get to where I was.

“Healthwise it has not been the best year. I was in hospital for a couple of days and training was tough, but to come away with three Olympic medals and to finish with a gold is just unbelievable.