Hackett eyeing 10km

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Grant Hackett says he wants to attempt to swim in the 10km open water race in the 2008 Olympics, but it will depend on the schedule.

The three-time 1500m Olympic champion wants to show his wares in the longer event in Beijing and will appeal to the International Olympic Committee to run the race in the second week of the Games after the pool schedule has been completed.

“I would love to compete in the 10km if it is in the second week (of the Olympic program),” Hackett told AFP.

“It is certainly just another challenge to add to my program.”

Hackett believes he won’t be the only pool swimmer keen to swim in the open-water race and is confident that the IOC will ensure the race is at an appropiate time.

“This would not only interest me but a lot of 1500m swimmers around the world would love to compete in an open water race,” he said.

“Distance swimmers have only one opportunity to compete and show their skills and their hard efforts put in to prepare for endurance races.

“It would be in the best interest for the IOC and FINA to put the race in the second week and allow endurance swimmers of the pool to have an opportunity to compete.”

Despite his enthusiasm, Hackett insists his main focus will be on his busy program in the pool.

“I would not do anything to sacrifice my 1500m, 400m, 200m or the 4×200m relay races or any pool events for that matter,” said Hackett.

“I would just keep my focus on the 1500m and hope that is enough to cover the distance that is required to be at the fast end of the pace.

“You never know what could happen, we are talking about a race in three years.”