You’re still our top gun

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GRANT Hackett’s pain at missing the Melbourne Commonwealth Games was eased slightly last night when he was crowned Australia’s best swimmer.

The 1500m champion’s record-breaking performances at this year’s Montreal world championships were recognised when he was named 2005 swimmer of the year at a gala awards dinner in Sydney.

It was the first time Hackett had claimed the award to himself. He shared the honours in 2003 with Ian Thorpe, a five-time winner.

Hackett made an emotional withdrawal from the Commonwealth Games last week due to a chronic shoulder injury. He revealed last night doctors were pleased with the result of his shoulder arthroscopy.

In a sign of his popularity among his peers and the public, Hackett last night was also named swimmers’ swimmer of the year - voted on by the Australian team - and the people’s choice award.

In doing so, the 800m and 1500m freestyle world record holder became the first swimmer in the award’s 16-year history to win the three main honours.

Hackett was also named male middle-distance and distance swimmer of the year to cap off a record number of award wins.

The awards complete a stellar year for the 25-year-old, who led Australia to its greatest world championship medal haul in July after being named team captain at the national trials.

Despite his painful shoulder injury, Hackett became the greatest medal-winner in world championships history (17) after winning three individual gold.

Arriving at last night’s awards with his arm in a sling, the Gold Coast swimmer was thrilled with his win and excited about a return to the pool.

“This is the icing on what has been a year of highs in Montreal and a year which has presented itself with yet another challenge,” said Hackett, who defeated Libby Lenton, Leisel Jones and Jessicah Schipper to the main prize.

“It is disappointing not to be swimming at next year’s Commonwealth Games but my surgery went well last week and doctors tell me I will be back in the water in no time and 2007 is not that far way.”

The form of Olympic relay gold medallist Lenton did not go unnoticed, winning the shortcourse, female sprint and female middle-distance swimmer of the year awards.