 Hackett has not been beaten over 1500m for nine years |
Olympic and world freestyle 1500m champion Grant Hackett will not compete at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The 25-year-old Australian swimming star has been struggling with a shoulder injury for the past year and wants time off to recuperate.
Hackett said: "I want to ensure my longevity in the sport and I've still got a lot of things I want to achieve.
"If I let it drag on, it could get worse and worse and it could eventually become a major problem."
The double Olympic champion was favourite to take Commonwealth gold in front of his home fans next March.
The 25-year-old is undefeated over 1500m since 1996 and at this year's Worlds in Montreal he became the first swimmer to win the same event at a quartet of world championships.
He also claimed the 400m freestyle and broke compatriot Ian Thorpe's world 800m freestyle record to be named best swimmer of the championships.
MMIX
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