Before the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Kieren Perkins regarded his victory in the iconic 1500-meter freestyle at the Barcelona Olympic Games, where he set a new world record, as the pinnacle of his swimming career. Recognised with the Young Australian of the Year Award and the Order of Australia Medal in 1993, his accomplishments were already setting the stage for Olympic greatness.
Approaching the Atlanta Olympics, Kieren faced challenges that seemed to threaten his dominance in the 1500-meter freestyle. He barely qualified for the Olympic team and entered the final with the slowest qualifying time. However, in a stunning display of strength and determination, he surged ahead during the race, securing a memorable gold medal victory that captured the hearts of Australians and cemented his legacy in swimming history. Following a silver medal performance at the Sydney 2000 Games, Kieren announced his retirement and relocated with his family to Sydney to embark on the next chapter of his life.
Since stepping away from competitive swimming, Kieren has taken on pivotal roles, including serving on the board of the Australian Sports Commission and transitioning into positions as a corporate ambassador and media personality. He contributed as a reporter for the Sydney-based program Weekend and provided coverage for A Current Affair during the World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka.
Presently, Kieren has embraced a fresh challenge as Head of Business Development and Acquisitions at NAB Private Wealth. His journey of motivation, perseverance, and triumph continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
