I won Athens gold with collapsed lung: Hackett

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Australian swimming great Grant Hackett has revealed he defended his Olympic 1,500 metres freestyle title in Athens with a collapsed lung.

Hackett initially told reporters at the Games that he had battled a bronchial infection, but has since admitted its full extent after having a promotional swim in Beijing as part of an Australian Olympic Committee delegation.

“My lungs were so blocked and stuffed for so long that it was partially deflated and there was fluid in there - it was fairly serious,” he told Channel 7.

“It was thought once it cleared up there could be scar tissue on the lungs but I had a cat scan about two weeks ago and found it was all clear.”

Hackett’s coach Denis Cotterell said his star swimmer had lost up to “25 per cent” of his lung capacity while competing in Athens.

However, they did not tell Olympic team medical staff for fear that he may be denied the right to defend his 1,500m Olympic title.

“He told me that it was something like 25 per cent of his lungs had collapsed because they were filled with muck,” Cotterell said.

“There was fluid on the lining and spots on the lungs - it was pretty ugly.

“The concern was that there would be scar tissue as a result, but he’s had a scan since and it has showed it has cleared.”

Hackett has battled bronchial problems throughout his career and was hospitalised earlier this year.

Cotterell said Hackett would be fit for the national titles - which double as world titles selection trials - from March 12-19, and might even contest February’s Queensland championships.