Swim star takes on leading role in Australian sport
OLYMPIC long-distance swimming legend Kieren Perkins has been promoted to one of the most powerful roles in Australian sport.
The double gold medallist has been named chief executive of the Australian Sports Commission, the federal government’s agency that in effect decides how many sports are run and funded.
Appointed by Sports Minister Richard Colbeck, Perkins replaces Rob Dalton, who has been serving as the acting boss for nearly a year after Kate Palmer stepped down.
Perkins will take over in early 2022, relinquishing his job as president of Swimming Australia.
“I could not be more thrilled and honoured to be appointed to lead the ASC as Australian sport looks forward to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Perkins said.
“It’s the most amazing opportunity to help shape participation and elite sport for Australia.”
One of Australia’s greatest swimmers, Perkins won a stack of Olympic, world and Commonwealth titles in his career, including back-to-back gold medals in the 1500m freestyle at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.
Since hanging up his goggles, the now 48-year-old has carved out a successful career in sports administration and business, holding a range of key roles with sporting bodies, banks and charity foundations.
“As one of our greatest ever Olympians, Mr Perkins brings first-hand experience of highperformance sport as well as an intrinsic understanding of the important role grassroots sport plays in the health and wellbeing of all Australians,” Colbeck said.
“With a decade of major events on the horizon in the lead up to Brisbane 2032, there is plenty to look forward to in Australian sport ...”