Grant Hackett spotted with ‘girlfriend’ Allison Schmitt

Romance rumours have been circulating around Grant Hackett, 37, and US Olympic swimmer Allison Schmitt, 27, for nearly a year.

Last week, The Daily Telegraph called it, insisting the pair were in a relationship and ‘in love’ – but Grant has continued to deny this, claiming they’re just friends.

Now, pictures have surfaced of the pair leaving a Melbourne gym together, before heading to a nearby eatery for a lunch date.

Making a splash in Melbourne! Pictures have surfaced of Grant Hackett, 37, and long-rumoured ‘girlfriend’, US Olympian Allison Schmitt, 27, leaving a Melbourne gym together

The images of the pair together are the first to have surfaced since Allison flew to Australia for a holiday ‘hosted’ by the Australian athlete.

They show the so-called couple leaving the gym looking refreshed, if a little tired, following a workout session.

Allison, wearing a grey jacket and still in her fitness gear, stared into the distance, appearing to be deep in thought.

Next to her, Grant was seen looking off to one side, keeping a low-key appearance in a baseball cap, sunglasses and his gym clothes.

Gym buddies! The images of the pair together are the first to have surfaced since Allison flew to Australia for a holiday 'hosted' by the Australian athlete

Gym buddies! The images of the pair together are the first to have surfaced since Allison flew to Australia for a holiday ‘hosted’ by the Australian athlete

Back at it! They show the so-called couple leaving the gym looking refreshed, if a little tired, following a workout session

Back at it! They show the so-called couple leaving the gym looking refreshed, if a little tired, following a workout session

The pair strolled along the sidewalk for a few minutes, en route to a nearby restaurant, where they sat side-by-side.

It was unclear from the images whether or not they were joined by other guests, although Allison did appear to be chatting with someone across from her.

Away from the public eye, the pair’s previously restrained demeanour was relaxed and their conversation during the brief meal seemed to flow easily.

Lunch date: The pair strolled along the sidewalk for a few minutes, en route to a nearby restaurant, where they sat side-by-side, seen chatting away joyously

Lunch date: The pair strolled along the sidewalk for a few minutes, en route to a nearby restaurant, where they sat side-by-side, seen chatting away joyously

According to witnesses, they went from the restaurant to Grant’s car, which later seen at the long-distance gold medallist’s apartment.

The images support claims made by Woman’s Day on Tuesday that Allison has spent the last few days with Grant in his home town.

‘She’s a complete breath of fresh air and she understands the demons he’s faced in the past,’ a ‘close friend’ of Grant allegedly told the magazine.

Where to now? According to witnesses, they went from the restaurant to Grant's car, which later arrived at the long-distance gold medallists apartment

Where to now? According to witnesses, they went from the restaurant to Grant’s car, which later arrived at the long-distance gold medallists apartment

The publication also reported that although their relationship is currently ‘platonic’, friends of the pair are hoping that will change.

Allison shared a snap alongside her ‘close friend’ and two of his personal trainer mates on Tuesday. 

Hometown hero: Allison has spent the last few days with Grant in his home town, taking to Instagram on Tuesday to thank her 'host' for the trip

Hometown hero: Allison has spent the last few days with Grant in his home town, taking to Instagram on Tuesday to thank her ‘host’ for the trip

‘I couldn’t have asked for a better trip, exploring @grant_hackett’s new hood, meeting the most genuine people,’ she wrote in the caption.

‘I was able to see some beautiful sights and yet again be reminded how Australians are so welcoming with beautiful souls.’

‘Thank you Australia, thank you @grant_hackett for being the best host and tolerating my great singing voice and thank you @meisterathlete for kicking my butt.’

Grant relocated from the Gold Coast last month to be closer to his seven-year-old twins Jagger and Charlize, who he shares with ex-wife Candice Alley.

The couple split in 2012 after five years of marriage.

Fitness friends! Alongside two of Grant's personal trainer pals, she wrote: 'Thank you @grant_hackettfor being the best host and tolerating my great singing voice and thank you @meisterathlete for kicking my butt'

Fitness friends! Alongside two of Grant’s personal trainer pals, she wrote: ‘Thank you @grant_hackettfor being the best host and tolerating my great singing voice and thank you @meisterathlete for kicking my butt’

Split: Grant relocated from the Gold Coast last month to be closer to his seven-year-old twins Jagger and Charlize who he shares with ex-wife Candice Alley (split in 2012)

Split: Grant relocated from the Gold Coast last month to be closer to his seven-year-old twins Jagger and Charlize who he shares with ex-wife Candice Alley (split in 2012)



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