Kieren's sporting achievements are legendary with 11 world records, 2 Olympic Gold, 2 Olympic Silver and more than a dozen Commonwealth and World Championship swimming medals.
Beyond the pool, Kieren has served on numerous boards in corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, including having served on Starlight's National Board for nearly 15 years.
Starlight's mission to brighten the lives of sick kids is one Kieren holds close to his heart. Having been hospitalised after a serious accident as a child, he understands first-hand the stress and loneliness of hospital for a child undergoing treatment.
He is passionate about the positive role Starlight Express Rooms play in easing fear and stress for sick kids in hospital.
"In the Starlight Express Room, kids literally step over the threshold and you just see the smiles on their faces and their eyes light up around Captain Starlight," he said.
Kieren has been an enthusiastic supporter of Starlight over many years, appearing at numerous events and raising funds and awareness through campaigns including Starlight Day. He has been a strong advocate for Starlight Express Room builds and refurbishments and has helped officially launch new Starlight Express Rooms across the country.
Kieren has also generously lent his support to the Starlight Super Swim Challenge encouraging swimmers to get active in this exciting fundraising event. Participants even got some training tips from the former Olympic champion himself!
When asked what motivates him as a Starlight Ambassador, Kieren says:
"To be involved with Starlight and see the amazing joy it brings to the lives of seriously ill children, is knowing that you're not just helping one child, you're giving a whole generation of children some joy and happiness to help them get through immensely challenging and emotionally difficult times."
We are so thankful to Kieren for his long-term commitment helping to brighten the lives of seriously ill children.
ABOUT: Four-time Olympic medallist, Kieren Perkins OAM is regarded as one of the world’s greatest ever freestyle swimmers. He was also an integral member of the successful Australian delegation sent to Monaco in 1993 to bid for the 2000 Olympics. Since his retirement from swimming in 2000, Kieren has transferred his knowledge and experience to build a successful career in consulting and banking. Kieren was an Executive leader at NAB before beginning a new role in 2021 as the new CEO of the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport.