Aussie swimming great Grant Hackett makes a rare appearance with his wife and their new baby daughter with a VERY fitting name

Australian swimming legend Grant Hackett made a rare public appearance on Monday when he was spotted in Melbourne with his wife Sharlene and three of their children.

The three-time Olympic champion has kept a relatively low profile in recent years. After his retirement, he came into the spotlight more because of a messy split from his ex-wife, Candice Alley, which was followed by four breakdowns in six years.

Grant, 43, has since moved on with his life and secretly and intimately married his second wife, Sharlene, in Melbourne in December 2020.

The couple have two children together: Edward, 4, and newborn Olympia, while Grant has twins from his first marriage to singer Candice: Jagger and Charlize, 16.

And on Monday, Grant and Sharlene were spotted in Melbourne’s upmarket suburb of Brighton with Edward, Olympia and Jagger, as they appeared to be enjoying a fun day out together on the affluent Church Street.

Grant wore a bomber jacket over a white T-shirt, along with baggy trousers and a white cap. He was seen holding Eddie’s backpack while Sharlene, in a grey coat, carried Olympia as she walked alongside Jagger.

The family have now settled into life in Victoria, having moved from Grant’s hometown of the Gold Coast last year.

The name Olympia seems to be a nod to Grant’s legacy as an Olympic swimmer, and he was delighted when he announced the news of her arrival last August.

“Our little angel. Olympia Grace Hackett (Oly) was born on August 4, 2023 at 1:43pm weighing 8 lbs. 3 oz.,” he wrote.

“Mom and dad are very proud (although mom is a bit tired too) and her big brother Edward thinks it’s really cool too. #babygirl #beautifuldaughter #newchapter,” he added.

Grant and Sharlene announced they were expecting their second child in January 2023, writing on Instagram, “Baby girl coming in August. Can’t wait to meet you. We are so excited.”

When they tied the knot four years ago, Grant paid a lavish tribute to his bride.

He wrote at length: ‘I feel so blessed to call you my beautiful wife @sharhackett. With a year full of uncertainty, it was a perfect way to end 2020.

‘With COVID-19 continuing to postpone our wedding and us not being able to properly plan our wedding with all of our friends and family in one location, both locally and from overseas, Sharlene and I just wanted to say ‘I do’!’

The three-time Olympic gold medalist was seen with his wife Sharlene and three of his children

Hackett, 43, wore a bomber jacket over a white T-shirt, while Sharlene wore a gray coat

The former athlete paid tribute to the couple’s son, Edward Anthony Hackett.

“Thank you Jagger Hackett, you were the most amazing ring bearer and best man,” Grant wrote.

Grant and Sharlene announced their engagement in October 2019.

In July 2019, Grant announced in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph that he and his then-girlfriend were expecting a baby.

“I felt like I was going to be 40 and I wanted another chance as a father,” he said.

“I knew I wanted more children, but only with someone who was committed and would become my life partner.”

Grant and Sharlene welcomed their son Edward Anthony Hackett in January 2020.

Sharlene met Grant in 2015 on the Gold Coast and started dating in August 2018.

The athlete described his relationship with Sharlene as “incredible” and said the dessert chef is a good influence on him.