Who is Kieren Perkins?
Kieren Perkins is a retired Australian distance swimmer who won the 1500 metres freestyle at the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympics. His 1996 win from lane eight is one of Australia's most famous sporting moments.
Perkins was born in Brisbane in 1973. He was coached by John Carew and became one of the world's best distance swimmers in the early 1990s.
At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, he won the 1500 metres freestyle in world-record time and won silver in the 400 metres freestyle.
Lane eight
Before the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Perkins struggled with form and only just qualified for the 1500 metres final, as the slowest qualifier in lane eight. Many expected him to lose.
In the final, he swam from the front and won the gold medal, defending his title in one of the great comeback performances. The race is often recalled as a symbol of Australian determination.
Perkins won silver in the 1500 metres at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, behind Grant Hackett. After retiring, he worked in business and media and later became chief executive of the Australian Sports Commission.
Did You Know?
Perkins set world records in the 400, 800 and 1500 metres freestyle during his career.