Grant Hackett made a surprise return to the spotlight Wednesday morning.
The former Olympic swimming champion, 43, made an appearance on the Today show to relaunch his new business following a remarkable turnaround following a decade of turmoil.
Hackett’s life spiraled out of control after his retirement from the sport as he endured a messy breakup with his ex-wife and four crises in six years.
However, on Wednesday Grant was cheerful as he encouraged Australians to support his business while chatting to Karl Stefanovic about his favorite brands.
“Can I say that the business I run at Generation Life (is my favorite)? Do I have the right?’ he’s laughing.
Grant Hackett made a surprise return to the spotlight Wednesday morning to relaunch his new business after a remarkable turnaround following a decade of turmoil.
Grant was encouraging Australians to support local brands when he was asked by host Karl Stefanovic what his favorite business was. “Can I talk about the business I run at Generation ‘Life’ Karl? Do I have the right?’ he’s laughing
Hackett took over as CEO of the investment firm in January 2020, having worked at the firm since 2017.
During the pandemic, Hackett oversaw a record 42% increase in investment in the company, to $90 million for the April-June 2020 quarter, compared to the same period the previous year.
Hackett faced market panic in March when the coronavirus arrived in force in Australia, but managed to weather the storm better than many other companies.
Gold medalist and fiancée Sharlene Fletcher welcomed their second child, daughter Olympia, in August this year.
Hackett took over as CEO of investment firm Generation Life in January 2020, having worked at the firm since 2017.
Family and business keep Grant busy in his day starting with a 5:50 a.m. workout.
Then he works 16-hour days managing Generation Life’s 70 employees before returning home to help care for little Eddie.
Hackett’s current life was not what one might have predicted just six years ago, when he disappeared several days after a fight with his family.
The Australian swimming legend (pictured with his newborn daughter and son Edward, four) welcomed his second child with wife Sharlene in August
His disappearance after an argument with his father and a fight with his brother saw his family beg him to return to television, fearing for his safety.
“He is a danger to himself… we have reached the end of the road,” his brother Craig said at the time.
“He’s a completely different person. It is there in her body, but it is not there in her mind, soul or spirit.
Hackett suffered a black eye and broken jaw in the fight, posting a photo of his injuries on social media.
Hackett has 13-year-old twins with his first wife Candice Alley (pictured at the 2010 Melbourne Cup) before the marriage ended dramatically in 2012.
The episode followed issues with alcohol and sleeping pill addictions amid a bitter custody battle with his then-wife, Candice Alley.
Fueled by alcohol in 2011, Hackett trashed the Melbourne apartment he shared with singer Ms Alley.
She and their two children were not in the apartment at the time, but Hackett’s wife accused him of targeting her most valuable items, including her piano and some framed photographs.
“The reality was (the marriage) wasn’t going well and I kept those cards very close to my chest and I just didn’t deal with it, I didn’t handle it well at all,” he said. told reporters at the time. .
In 2014, he was seen wandering disoriented around the Crown Casino, wearing only a jersey tied around his waist after his son wandered away from their hotel room.
In February 2017, troubled swimming star Grant Hackett (pictured) accused his brother of beating him in a social media post which read: ‘My brother comments on the media… but does anyone does anyone know he beat the shit? Me’
It all came to a head when the former Olympic swimming champion was arrested at his parents’ home in February 2017. He is pictured in the back of the police car after his arrest.
Hackett was spotted wandering half-naked around Melbourne’s Crown Casino (pictured) in February 2014 after taking the sleeping pill Stilnox.
After a failed swim start, he was arrested in April 2016, accused of twisting a passenger’s nipples on a Virgin flight.
He later apologized and admitted to drinking half a bottle of gin before the flight.
The saga with his family followed less than a year later, in February 2017, but led to him checking into rehab in California.
His time there was a turning point and a few months later Generation Development Group boss Rob Coombe gave him a second chance.
Hackett has 12 years’ experience in senior roles in marketing, distribution and wealth management for Westpac and BT Financial Group.
He also holds an executive master’s degree in business administration and diplomas in business law and financial services.
Hackett won gold medals in the men’s 1,500m freestyle events at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.
He held several world records at the time and is considered one of the best long-distance swimmers of all time.
Hackett (pictured right at Melbourne Airport) was accused of “twisting” the nipple of another plane passenger during a Virgin Australia flight from Adelaide in April 2016.
