Aussie swimmer Hackett retires

SYDNEY, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Australian swimmer Grant Hackett, the only person to win the same event at four consecutive World Championships, has retired.

Hackett, 28, is the world record-holder in the 1,500-meter event with a time of 14 minutes, 34.56 seconds, set at the 2001 World Championships in Japan.

He also holds the world record in the 800-meter event (7:38.65) and held the world mark for the 200 freestyle in 1999, until bested by countryman Ian Thorpe.

Hackett won two gold medals at the 2000 Olympics, a gold and two silver in 2004, and a silver and a bronze in 2008. He captured 10 gold medals at the World Championships.