The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Sydney

Australian swimmer Grant Hackett is enjoying one of his healthiest preparations as he gears for a historic attempt to win a third consecutive Olympic 1500m freestyle title in Beijing, his coach said Friday.

Hackett, 28, has had a catalogue of illnesses at major meets and was troubled by pneumonia in the lead-up to the 2004 Athens Olympics.

He is taking no chances before next month's Games and revealed this month that he wears a mask over his face when he flies, shuns public areas as much as possible and avoids touching handrails and wash basins unnecessarily to keep himself free from germs.

But his coach Ian Pope said his preventative measures appear to be working as Hackett is in the midst of his best preparation in years.

Australia's swimming team captain was highly encouraged by his last race at the Grand Prix meet here two weeks ago where he swam his fastest 1500m while in full training, 14:51.62.

The world 1500m record-holder had never gone under 15 minutes before while in full training.

If Hackett succeeds in winning his third Olympic gold medal in the 1500m event he will be the first man in 104 years to win the same swimming event in three consecutive Games.

"Grant's had one of the most consistent preparations he's ever had," Pope told The Australian newspaper. "He hasn't been sick, which is a big thing for him.

"People might joke about lengths he's going to, but it's working."

Since Hackett was diagnosed with asthma last year and began taking medication to stabilise his condition, his health has improved markedly.

Thirteen men have broken 15 minutes for 1500m this year and Hackett said he expects he will have to swim a sub-14:55 heat to qualify for the final, then back up for a sub-14:40 final.

Hackett has held the world record in the 30-lap event at 14:34.56 since 2001.

So focused is Hackett on his event, he said he will not carry the Australian flag at the opening ceremony in Beijing even if asked because the swimming programme begins the following day.

The Australian swimming team will go into a pre-Olympic training camp in Kuala Lumpur on July 26.