Australian swimming hero Kieren Perkins will wave-off motorcycle riders for the 2011 MRA Cranbourne GP Run on Saturday 15 October.By Bridget Cook
DUAL Olympic gold medallist Kieren Perkins is the chosen celebrity to wave-off this year’s MRA Cranbourne GP Run this year.
The Australian swimming hero will send thousands of motorcycle riders on their journey to Phillip Island from Cranbourne on Saturday 15 October.
With an impressive list of awards and achievements, Mr Perkins was the first person in history to hold the Olympic, World, Commonwealth and Pan Pacific titles simultaneously.
In 1992, he captured the nation’s heart when he set a new world record and won gold in his famous 1500-metre freestyle win at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
He also won gold and broke two world records in an unforgettable race at the 1994 Commonwealth Games.
By 1996, when Mr Perkins took to the pool for the 1500m final at the Atlanta Olympic Games, Australia came to a halt. Having qualified as the slowest swimmer, he was under enormous pressure to repeat his gold medal winning performance. How he blitzed the field and stormed to victory is now history and proof of his incredible strength, determination and athleticism.
In 2000 Mr Perkins announced his retirement from competitive swimming.
He is now passionate about his work on the board of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which is the chosen charity partner for this year’s GP run.
The event starts at 8.15am with Mr Perkins waving the riders off from a cherry picker at 10am, and, as a rider himself, will be attending the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island.
This year’s run is proudly supported by the Star News Group, the Motorcycle Riders Association Australia (MRA), Victoria Police and the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce.
For more information about the event contact Casey customer service on 9705 5200 or visit Casey Council’s website at www.casey.vic.gov.au/gprun.
