When Perkins was nine years old he crashed through a plate glass door in the family home while chasing his younger brother Jared. This resulted in his left calf being almost severed and requiring 87 stitches. Kieren required an extensive muscular restoration program which led to swimming. Perkins' father had to carry Kieren to the small local pool until he could hobble on crutches. In Victoria, Canada during the 1994 Commonwealth Games, Perkins won the 1500m in world record time, setting an 800m world record on the way.
Australian swimming is undoubtedly our most successful Olympic sport.
Role models and characters such as Kieren Perkins ensure that the country supports and follows closely these heroes. It is important, however, that in the wake of these heroes, the other extremely talented athletes are not overlooked. It is part of Perkins' nature to acknowledge and give credit where credit is due, to those people who have achieved positive results. This is a lesson that the Australian community should also take heed of. The story of Kieren Perkins is, as yet, unfinished.