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

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

The three-time Olympic gold medallist has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, having been in the public eye post-retirement due to his messy split with his ex-wife, Candice Alley, which was followed by four meltdowns in six years.

Grant, 43, has since moved on, marrying his second wife, Sharlene, in a secret, intimate wedding ceremony in Melbourne in December 2020.

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

And on Monday, Grant and Sharlene were spotted in the luxurious Melbourne suburb of Brighton with Edward, Olympia and Jagger, seemingly enjoying a nice day out together on the affluent Church Street.  

Grant wore a bomber jacket over a white t-shirt, along with relaxed pants and a white cap. He was seen holding onto Eddie's backpack while Sharlene, in a grey coat, carried Olympia while walking alongside Jagger. 

The family have settled into life in Victoria having moved from Grant's native Gold Coast last year. 

Olympia's name appears to be a nod to Grant's legacy as an Olympic swimmer, and he was joyous when announcing the news of her arrival in August last year.

Grant Hackett was spotted in Melbourne with his young family on Monday

'Our little angel. Olympia Grace Hackett (Oly) has come into the world on the 4th of August 2023, at 1.43pm weighing 3.555kgs,' he wrote. 

'Mum and dad are very proud (albeit mums a bit tired) and her big bro, Edward thinks it's pretty 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.' 

After they tied the knot four years ago, Grant made a gushing tribute to his bride.

He wrote at length: 'I feel so blessed to call you my beautiful wife @sharhackett. With a year that's been filled with so much uncertainty it's been such a perfect way to finish off 2020.

'With COVID-19 continuing to delay our nuptials and the ability to properly plan our wedding, with all of our friends and family in the one location both locally and from overseas, Sharlene and I just wanted to say 'I do'!'

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

Hackett, 43, wore a bomber jacket over a white t-shirt while Sharlene wore a grey coat

The former athlete added a tribute to the couple's son, Edward Anthony Hackett.

'Thank you to Jagger Hackett for being the most amazing ring bearer and best man,' Grant wrote.

Grant and Sharlene announced their engagement in October 2019.

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

'I felt I was going to hit 40 and I wanted another opportunity as a dad,' he said.

'I knew I wanted more children but only with a committed person who was going to be a life partner.'

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

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

The athlete has described his relationship with Sharlene as 'incredible' and said the desserts chef is a good influence on him.