Australian swimming legend Grant Hackett made a rare public appearance on Monday when he was spotted with his wife Sharlene and three of their children in Melbourne.
The three-time Olympic gold medalist has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, having been in the public eye since his retirement due to his messy split from ex-wife Candice Alley, which was followed by four breakdowns in six years.
Grant, 43, went ahead and married his second wife, Sharlene, in an intimate, secret ceremony in Melbourne in December 2020.
The couple have two children together, Edward, 4, and newborn daughter Olympia, while Grant has twins Jagger and Charlize, 16, from his first marriage to singer Candice.
And on Monday, Grant and Sharlene were spotted in the plush Melbourne suburb of Brighton with Edward, Olympia and Jagger apparently enjoying a lovely day out together on opulent Church Street.
Grant wore a bomber jacket over a white T-shirt, along with baggy trousers and a white cap. He was seen holding Eddie’s backpack while Sharlene, wearing a grey coat, carried Olympia in her arms as she walked alongside Jagger.
The family has settled into life in Victoria after moving from Grant’s hometown of the Gold Coast last year.
The name Olympia appears to be a nod to Grant’s legacy as an Olympic swimmer, and he was delighted when he announced the news of her arrival in August last year.
Grant Hackett was spotted in Melbourne with his young family on Monday
“Our little angel Olympia Grace Hackett (Oly) came into the world on August 4, 2023, at 1:43 p.m., weighing 3.555 kg,” she wrote.
“Mommy and daddy are so proud (although mommy is a little tired) and big brother Edward thinks it’s great too. #baby #beautifulgoddaughter #newchapter,” she added.
Grant and Sharlene announced they were expecting their second child in January 2023, writing on Instagram: “Baby girl due in August. We can’t wait to meet you. We’re so excited.”
After tying the knot four years ago, Grant paid a glowing tribute to his bride.
He wrote at length: ‘I feel so blessed to be able to call you my beautiful wife @sharhackett. With a year filled with so much uncertainty, it’s been a perfect way to end 2020.
‘With COVID-19 continuing to delay our nuptials and the ability to properly plan our wedding, with all of our friends and family in one place, both local and overseas, Sharlene and I just wanted to say ‘I do!’
The three-time Olympic gold medalist was seen with his wife Sharlene and three of his children.
Hackett, 43, wore a bomber jacket over a white T-shirt, while Sharlene wore a grey coat.
The former athlete added a tribute to the couple’s son, Edward Anthony Hackett.
“Thank you to Jagger Hackett for being the most amazing ring bearer and best man,” Grant wrote.
Grant and Sharlene announced their engagement in October 2019.
In July 2019, Grant announced that he and his then-girlfriend were expecting a baby, in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph.
“I felt like I was turning 40 and I wanted another chance as a father,” he said.
‘I knew I wanted to have more children, but only with a committed person who would be my life partner.’
Grant and Sharlene welcomed their baby boy Edward Anthony Hackett in January 2020.
Sharlene met Grant on the Gold Coast in 2015 and they began dating in August 2018.
The athlete has described his relationship with Sharlene as “amazing” and said the dessert chef is a good influence on him.