Perkins Joins Australian 2012 London Olympics Team
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The Australian Olympic Committee on Friday announced another former swimming great, Kieren Perkins, will be part of the Australian team at next year's London Olympics.
He followed fellow pool stars Geoff Huegill, Ian Thorpe and Michael Klim who have signaled their intentions to be part of the Australian 2012 London Olympics Team.
However, the two-time Olympic gold medalist will go to London without swimming, instead he will act as an athlete liaison officer (ALO).
According to Perkins, one of the greatest 1500 meters swimmers of all time with two gold and two silver medals, former Olympians have a valuable role to play as mentors for young athletes.
"I'll be there to support the 450 athletes on our team," he told ABC Sports on Friday.
"I don't think the older guys will need my help but I am looking forward to working with the younger team members in a mentoring role.
"I was very lucky before the Barcelona Olympics, my first games, to have a long conversation with Murray Rose, in terms of the psychology of coping with the pressure of the situation and understanding how you deal with all of the excitement and everything that's generated around the Olympics."
Meanwhile, Perkins said the 28-year-old Ian Thorpe's decision to return to the pool again is a courageous one.
He said: "Thorpe will be, still is, and will forever be our greatest Olympian until somebody better comes along, regardless of what he does in the next two years."
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