Hackett is Schmitten

LOVE is in the air for Grant Hackett.

The Gold Coast’s former Olympic swimming champion has ramped up his romance with US Olympic swimmer Allison Schmitt.

This newfound happiness comes after a tough year for Hackett during which he was arrested and hospitalised following a breakdown.

The 27-year-old American beauty is currently in Australia with her beau. The Gold Coast Bulletin understands they were introduced by US Olympic great Michael Phelps.

Over the past few days, the pair have been seen enjoying a helicopter ride together over Melbourne and dining out at restaurants.

One photo posted on Instagram invoked a slew of messages from friends, one of which said “cute couple”.

In a photo with Hackett and her sister at a charity event earlier this year, Schmitt wrote a gushing message about Hackett.

“A foundation so close to my heart with two that hold a special place in my heart,” Schmitt wrote.

Hackett did not respond to media phone calls yesterday.