Sport-Olympic champion Perkins named Australian Sports Commission CEO

Former Olympic swimming champion Kieren Perkins has been appointed the new chief executive officer of the Australian Sports Commission.

Perkins, who won gold in the 1,500m freestyle at the Olympics in 1992 and 1996, will take on the role during the first quarter of 2022 and will oversee high performance and participation sport across Australia.

"I could not be more thrilled and honoured to be appointed to lead the ASC as Australian sport looks forward to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games," Perkins said in a statement.

"It's the most amazing opportunity to help shape participation and elite sport for Australia."

The ASC is the government agency responsible for supporting and investing in sport and Perkins will oversee the running of Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport.

"The decade leading to 2032 is a generational opportunity to build a lasting legacy for all sport, in an environment that allows everyone involved to safely live all of the positive life experiences sport can bring," the 48-year-old said.