Ahmed Kelly has overcome many obstacles in his life to become a four-time Paralympian and an inspiration to many.
Born in Baghdad with significant disabilities in all four limbs, Australian humanitarian Moira Kelly and her charity brought Ahmed and his brother Emmanuel to Australia for life-changing medical care. After undergoing major surgery to remove the deformed sections of his lower legs, Ahmed learned to walk using prosthetics, and before long, he began to run. His passion for sports quickly flourished.
Ahmed started swimming in 2008, and since then, he has achieved remarkable success. Among his many accomplishments are winning silver at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and claiming back-to-back 100m breaststroke victories at the 2010 and 2011 Australian Swimming Championships, both in world record time.
At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Ahmed added to his incredible journey by securing a gold medal in the 150m individual medley SM3, demonstrating resilience, dedication, and exceptional skill. His performance continues to inspire athletes and fans worldwide.
Outside of his swimming commitments, Ahmed has completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at La Trobe University and is an active advocate for inclusion and accessibility in sports. His journey exemplifies the power of determination, and he remains a role model for aspiring athletes globally.
