The Hindu : Hackett to play lead role for Australia

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 01, 2003

Sport

Sport - Swimming

Hackett to play lead role for Australia

Sydney March 31. Grant Hackett said today he would have to produce some individual brilliance to keep Australia's head above water in next week's duel in the pool with the United States.

Although only 22, Hackett is regarded as a senior member of an Australian swimming team without seven key members - including Ian Thorpe - lining up against a full-strength United States outfit at Indianapolis on Sunday.

Australian Swimming high performance director Greg Hodge was keen to stress the team aspect of their three-hour, made-for-TV clash with the US, before flying out tomorrow.

But Hackett was under no illusions who an understrength Australian team would turn to in the US without their seven swimmers, who have been sidelined by illness and injury.

``Obviously, being the No.2 swimmer in the world and him (Thorpe) not being there I have to take more of a role in his events,'' Hackett said today.

``For me it's more of a leadership thing about this team. You might be taking me away on a stretcher by the end of this meet.

``But I am prepared to give it all and what the situation is I will have to deal with and do the best I can.''

While many expect the weakened Australian team to be blown out of the water in the US, Hackett did not rule out turning the tables at Indianapolis.

Hackett cited the fact the Australians had just finished their eight-day national titles here on Saturday and were buoyed by unexpected results from youngsters.

Hackett was one of the standouts, claiming a record seventh straight national 1,500m freestyle title as well as 800m gold and 200m and 400m silver, both behind Thorpe.

``You never know, some of their (US) key swimmers might not be swimming well,'' he said. ``It's a good feeling to go in as underdogs. It's motivating in that sense.'' — AFP

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport