Hawke grants Hackett support

original link

Senior Australian squad member Brett Hawke has thrown his weight behind Grant Hackett being appointed captain of the Australian team for the world championships in Montreal later this year.

Swimming Australia announced recently that it would appoint a team captain when the squad was chosen after the selection trials in March, and Hackett’s name was the first mentioned as a likely candidate.

“I think it’s a fantastic move,” Hawke said. “It’s one of the things I’ve discussed with a number of swimmers for a few years and we’ve had a few meetings with Swimming Australia previously about this.

“I think it was needed to take the next step forward for this sport, and I’m putting my weight behind Grant Hackett because I think he’d be perfect for the job.

“His results speak for themselves and he has the respect of the total team, so I think if they [Swimming Australia] were to choose Grant, it would be a great choice.”