Kieren Perkins' surprise proposal

It was the perfect finish to a day filled with quiet contentment, good friends, fine food, whisky and wineries in beautiful Tasmania.

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In fact, there was only one thing missing when swimming superstar Kieren Perkins took the plunge and proposed to his partner Karen Davis on the historic Hobart waterfront – a sparkler on her finger!

Kieren Perkins' surprise proposal. Read the full story in this week's New Idea magazine. Source: New Idea

‘That’s my fault,’ laughs banking executive Karen, who’s set to become the second Mrs Perkins later this year. ‘Kieren did offer to get me an engagement ring, you know, and very beautifully bought me a diamond.

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‘But I think I will just have that made into my wedding ring. I don’t wear much jewellery and I didn’t want two rings, to be honest. That doesn’t really mean too much to me.’

Read Kieren's full proposal story in this week's issue of New Idea magazine, on sale now! Source: New Idea

Swimming’s former golden boy just grins. ‘When we broke the news to family, the first thing my mum did was grab Karen’s hand – and then she looked at me like: “What’s going on?” It almost got me into trouble!’

For the full story, pick up a copy of this week’s New Idea magazine, on sale now.