Back in the pool: Grant Hackett to attempt swimming comeback after seven years

Grant Hackett has entered in the 200m and 400m freestyle at the Australian Championships beginning tomorrow in Sydney.

But for the 34-year-old, it’s not about turning back the clock, rather more about fitness and health. And this time around, with less expectations.

"To me the biggest challenge - it’s really a personal journey," Hackett said.

"For me it’s a very different comeback, one stepping stone after the next."

In his prime, Hackett gave us some sublime sporting moments of both talent and courage, winning two Olympic gold medals for the 1500-metre race.

Then was that unforgettable swim, when he broke Kieren Perkins’ world record by an astonishing seven seconds at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

It was a glorious time, in stark contrast to the messy marriage breakup and other well documented personal issues that have tarnished the golden boy image.

"What I had to endure for sometime…it’s always difficult," he said.