Just weeks ago, swimmer Grant Hackett revealed he was heading overseas to undergo a “treatment plan” after a series of shocking alcohol and prescription drug-induced incidents.
But instead he chose to bypass formal rehab and spend time with Olympic legend Michael Phelps, which could be seen as dangerous.
US star Michael may be the world’s best-ever swimmer, but he’s also had a well-documented battle with drugs and alcohol, with photos emerging of him smoking a bong in 2009.
“People can speculate all they want,” Grant says in an exclusive interview with Woman’s Day from a secret location in the US.
“I have a plan in place for myself and my rehabilitation, and it’s going great. I don’t want anyone to know where I am, as I need to focus on myself and do what I need to do without negative distraction.”
Grant (right) feels he can trust Michael after being “betrayed” by his family.
With critics in Australia insisting the gold medal-winning Olympian needed rehab after he was arrested at his parents’ Gold Coast home in February, Grant flew to the US to seek the help everyone agrees he needs.
But he didn’t book himself into a rehab facility at all, instead accepting an offer from Michael, who reached out to him because he had suffered the same public humiliation and soul searching after he was caught drink-driving and in possession of marijuana.
“MP has been [an] amazing support and help – we’re very close mates and he gets it,” explains Grant, who didn’t want to reveal the exact nature of his “treatment”, but confirmed he was having “bespoke” therapy.
For the full story on Grant’s recovery, get the latest issue of Woman’s Day – on sale now!
