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GRANT Hackett is considering a world record 1500 metres swansong at the Beijing Olympics before focusing on the 400 metres freestyle.

In his first event in nine months due to shoulder surgery, Hackett overcame self-doubt to win the grand prix 400 metres freestyle final in Brisbane last night in a time that would have easily claimed Melbourne Commonwealth Games gold.

He clocked 3min 46.99sec - the fastest 400 metres freestyle time in the world this year, comfortably eclipsing Scot David Carry’s 3:48.17 Melbourne Games gold effort in March.

But that paled in comparison to Hackett’s gameplan. The remarkable time further fuelled his desire for the 400 metres which, he admitted, may eventually take precedence over his pet event.

Hackett, 26, has not been beaten over 1500 metres in 10 years and is vying to become the first man to claim three straight Olympic gold medals in the event at Beijing.

“Maybe after Beijing if I feel I haven’t got my best out of the 400 metres I might put the 1500 metres behind me and really focus on it,” he said.

“I really enjoy that event. It’s one I think I can really bring down a lot (in time).”

His best 400 metres time, 3:42.51 and the second fastest ever by an Australian, is more than two seconds behind Thorpe’s world record (3:40.08).

But another world record is on Hackett’s immediate thoughts.

Hackett received a scare at Athens, where he clocked 14:43.40 with a partially collapsed lung to hold out American Larsen Jensen (14:45.29) and Briton David Davies (14:45.95).

“I think I was always expecting those guys to improve in Athens but not to drop to 45 (15min 45sec) - now I think anything is possible after seeing that,” he said.

“I probably underestimated them … and I never will again.

“Next time I expect them to be racing … probably 10secs faster at least.”

Hackett’s grand prix time was incredible considering he was coming back from the longest break in his career.

“I guess it lets the rest of the guys around the world know that I am back,” he said.

“When you go in for surgery everyone’s probably questioning how you are going to come out and race again

. “It’s a long break away from competition and training. You even question yourself.

“So for me to be ahead of where I thought I would be … makes you enthusiastic about what you need to do to get down to some serious times.”

Hackett’s next aim is an eagerly awaited 200 metres freestyle showdown with Ian Thorpe that may come as soon as next month when the grand prix series again visits Brisbane.

Hackett will rub shoulders with Thorpe at a national team sprint camp at Townsville this week.

“It would be nice to race him over 200 metres at the next grand prix - I think a lot of people would enjoy seeing that and we would enjoy doing it again,” he said.

“It’s been a couple of years, I think since Athens (the last time they raced). It’s been a long time coming.”