In an Olympic special, “The Never-ending Pursuit of Excellence”, Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks to two-time Olympic Gold Medallist Kieren Perkins OAM, President of Swimming Australia and Chief Executive Officer of Australian Unity Bank.

Kieren takes us through his incredible swimming career, from the accident as a child that led to his passion for the sport, to his triumph at the 1996 Olympic Games, winning the gold medal in the 1500m Freestyle in lane eight, becoming the second Australian to defend an Olympic Championship. From the importance of key support systems and mentoring to endless training and dedication, Kieren gives us an insight into the mind of an athlete at the top of their sport and what it truly takes to succeed. Finally, he shares with us the difficulties of navigating retirement from an athlete’s perspective, his thoughts on the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games and what his life and career look like beyond the eight lanes.

As a freestyle swimmer, Kieren competed and won multiple gold medals across three Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Aquatics Championships and Pan Pacific Swimming Championships. Prior to his appointment at Australian Unity Bank, he held leadership positions at National Australia Bank and has served as a Director of The Australian Sports Commission, The Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and the ANZAC Foundation.