Ahmed Kelly

Started: He began swimming in 2007. (edmontonjournal.com, 12 Aug 2011; smh.com.au, 06 Apr 2011) Reason: He gave up Australian rules football in order to pursue swimming. "It [Australian rules football] started getting rough and the sport was becoming really fast. Mentally, I was capable but physically I had to look at the reality of it all. I didn't want to be doing nothing in my life after stopping football so I took on swimming." (abc.net.au, 11 Oct 2020; edmontonjournal.com, 12 Sep 2011; canada.com, 12 Sep 2011; rdfl.org.au, 22 Jul 2008) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (paralympic.org.au, 27 Mar 2024) Additional Info: FROM IRAQ TO AUSTRALIA He and his brother Emmanuel were abandoned as babies on the doorstep of the Mother Teresa Orphanage in Baghdad, Iraq. The brothers spent seven years at the orphanage until an Australian woman, Moira Kelly, visited the centre in 1998 and decided to take the boys back to Australia. He and Emmanuel were driven to Jordan before flying to Australia. "We were just being kids, making the most of every day and we had no idea what Australia was. I recall having fun with my brother and the nuns [at the orphanage] and I didn't think I was very different to be honest. I remember being really excited to hear we could be leaving, and then a long car trip to a new place. Having a different upbringing I think gives me a different perspective and the skills to deal with adversity. I've been very fortunate to represent Australia at the Paralympic Games. I really want to represent Australia in a way to say 'thank you' to the Australian community for being able to adopt me and also helping me out medically as well. I was just very lucky, [Moira] is an amazing lady, who's so loving and caring." (abc.net.au, 11 Oct 2020; travelwithoutlimits.com.au, 01 Sep 2020; Australian Department of Home Affairs Facebook page, 23 Jan 2019; heraldsun.com.au, 27 May 2011, 18 Dec 2009; theage.com.au, 06 Apr 2011)

Sporting Relatives: His adoptive conjoined twin sisters Trishna and Krishna Kelly achieved global fame following their successful separation in 2009. His adoptive mother Moira is an Australian humanitarian and two-time Victorian of the Year award winner. His brother Emmanuel appeared on the Australian television talent show 'The X Factor' as a singer. (abc.net.au, 11 Oct 2020; news.com.au, 13 Sep 2011; heraldsun.com.au, 13 Sep 2011; ninemsn.com.au, 11 Apr 2011)