Building off of his earlier win in the 400 free in 3:55, World Record holder Grant Hackett continued his comeback on Saturday in Queensland with a runner-up finish in the men’s 200 free.
Hackett swam a 1:50.68 to take 2nd-place in the 17 & up division of the 200 free in long course, his second swim since announcing his comeback to competitive swimming.
While that’s still a ways off of Hackett’s lifetime best of 1:45.61, swum in 2004, it’s a good starting point as he takes a run at a spot on the 2016 Olympic Team.
The 34-year old will be seeking his fourth Olympic Team, having already qualified for the 2000, 2004, and 2012 teams, after which point he reitred. While Hackett is best known as the most dominant distance swimmer of his generation (if not any generation) with three Olympic gold medals to his name, his best chance at making the World Championship or Olympic teams is likely by placing in the top 6 of the 200 freestyle to earn a relay swim. To qualify in the 400 free would require a top two finish.
On Saturday, in the 200 free timed final, he placed behind David McKeon, who swam a 1:47.86. If Hackett is able to earn a spot on the 800 free relay, McKeon is likely to be one of his teammates there.
Wow, he blitzed my estimate again. That was a a very fast swim for a guy who has been out that long. As they say, there is no substitute for class. Good luck GH, you are back in the game.
Grant can keep the open water possibility open in the quiet now. He doesn’t need to train any different and k would not be shocked to see him throw his hat in for the open water in Rio since it comes after the pool events. Ous followed that script for London and it worked out.
This is very cool – hope he makes it!!
I know this comes up every once in a while, but open water swimmers often stay competitive into their 30s. 200/400 freestyles are pretty tough to train for – 1500 or 5K might be just as good shots.
John, given the current notable Aussies in the event, I think 1:47.0 is a lock to make top 6.
What will it take to crack TOP6 at the 2016 trials for the mens 200 FR, any rough guesses. wasn`t it around 1:46 or 47 in 2012
1:50.68 is faast ! He’s doing very well in my opinion.
You said his last Olympics were in 2012 but it was 2008.