Inspired Hackett steals the show

THREE golds, five medals in all, and a world record. Grant Hackett of Australia was the star of the World Swimming Championships, emerging from the shadow of absent countryman Ian Thorpe.

Sure, Michael Phelps's haul sounded impressive, too five golds and a silver. But by the American's standards, he fell short.

Hackett capped the eight-day meet by winning a record fourth consecutive world title in the 1,500-metre freestyle on Sunday night.