Grant Hackett ‘alive and sober’ but in hiding after days of drama

Troubled Olympian Grant Hackett is believed to be in hiding, after he was tracked down by police to a luxury Gold Coast hotel late yesterday afternoon.

Hackett’s family had asked the public to look for the swimmer yesterday, who he said was suffering from a “mental disturbance,” after he missed an appointment and refused to take calls.

Hackett’s father Nev told The Courier Mail last night that his son was “alive and sober but he’s very, very embarrassed and doesn’t want to see anybody or talk to anybody.”

It followed a few days of drama for Hackett and his family, in which police attended the family’s home on the Gold Coast after an altercation. Hackett was arrested but later released without charge.

Hackett then released a photograph on social media of himself with a black eye, which he alleged was a result of his brother Craig beating him. It appears the photograph was not taken recently.

Also yesterday, the Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates issued a statement saying that Hackett would receive “any support he needs” from the committee,

“This is not the grant we know and respect,” Coates said, according to reports.

Hackett has struggled with mental health and substance abuse issues, as well as going through a divorce.

If you or anyone you know needs support, contact LifeLine on 13 11 14.  

Is there any advice you can offer Grant Hackett and his family? Do you remember his swimming days?