Olympic champion, Grant Hackett has been hospitalized in Beijing with a blood infection caused by a “flesh-eating bacteria.”Â
Apparently, Hackett cut his right ankle on coral while honeymooning in Fiji. He then cut his honeymoon short to embark on a promotional tour in the 2008 Olympic host city. While there, his ankle started swelling and he complained of headaches and dizziness.
Hackett said that the infection was treated before it became sever and that he expects to return to training next week.
“It just started off as the smallest cut and then you sort of look at it and … (now it) doesn’t look too good.
“It could have got quite serious if I had let it go any longer. It got into my bloodstream but I acted promptly, which is a relief.”
Hackett has faced a series of highs and lows recently, with a disappointing showing at the World Championships in Melbourne followed by his marriage to singer Candice Alley.