Shane Perkins Olympics

Perkins made his international debut in 2005. However, after losing his funding from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in 2015, he had to create his own training regime. He turned to CrossFit to maintain his strength and conditioning.

Challenges and Injuries

In May 2014, Perkins suffered a bulging disc in his back, which forced him to miss the ITS Adelaide Track event. This injury also delayed his arrival at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He had to receive an epidural injection in his spine to compete.

Earlier in his career, Perkins missed the keirin final at the 2007 World Cup meeting in Beijing due to a back strain. Despite these setbacks, he continued to push forward in his cycling career.

Family and Personal Life

Perkins resides in Adelaide with his wife Kristine, son Aidan, and daughter Mischa. His father Daryl competed in the tandem event at the 1964 Olympic Games and won a bronze medal at the 1966 Commonwealth Games. His wife Kristina is a former Australian track cyclist, and his brother-in-law is Olympic champion cyclist Ryan Bayley.

Philosophy and Influences

Perkins' sporting philosophy is "Follow your dreams. The sky's the limit." He cites his parents as the most influential people in his career. Swiss tennis player Roger Federer is his idol.

Non-Selection for Rio

In 2015, Perkins lost his AIS funding and was not selected for the Cycling Australia elite track cycling training program. He claimed on social media that he was advised to retire from the sport. Despite these challenges, he remained hopeful about competing in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Perkins was overlooked for the 2016 World Championships in London and a training camp in New South Wales. This effectively ruled him out of Rio. He expressed hope that he might still be considered for selection by Cycling Australia before they submitted their team to the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) in June 2016.

Hobbies and Nickname

Outside of cycling, Perkins enjoys golf, reading, and spending time with his family. He is affectionately known as "Perko" among friends and fans.

Shane Perkins' journey through competitive cycling has been marked by both achievements and challenges. His resilience and dedication continue to inspire many in the sports community.