Grant Hackett, Olympic swimmer, arrested over 'mental health issues'

Grant Hackett, retired Australian Olympic swimmer, was arrested on the Gold Coast on Wednesday. He is currently in Southport watchhouse.

Hackett’s arrest came after his father, Nev, called police to his home in Mermaid Waters. Nev said the swimmer was agitated and possibly under influence.

“A man has been arrested following a disturbance at an address in Surfers Avenue at Mermaid Waters, around midday today,” Queensland Police said, speaking with Daily Mail Australia. The police added they were called to the scene following reports of a disturbance.

As reported by the Gold Coast Bulletin, Nev said Hackett’s arrest came due to the “mental health issues” he was facing. The arrest occurred at Hackett’s parents’ house, according to 7 News.

Hackett won the men’s 1500 metres freestyle swimming event at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2004 Athens Olympics. He took retirement from swimming in 2008 but tried to make a comeback before the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Last year, Hackett was removed from a flight over his involvement in a drunken incident. He yelled an abuse at a fellow passenger before grabbing the passenger’s nipple. The incident occurred during a Virgin flight from Adelaide to Melbourne.

“I seriously and genuinely regret my poor behaviour," the swimmer said at the time. He said he would be taking anger management counselling sessions. "I have stuffed up more than once and am working on these issues. It is embarrassing to hear and read the consequences of my actions."

In 2012, Hackett split from his wife, Candice Alley. He again made headlines after he lost his son at Crown Casino, Melbourne, two years later.