Community
18 October, 2024
Paralympian visits Merri River
PARALYMPIC medallist Ahmed Kelly caused plenty of excitement when he paid a visit to Merri River School last week.
The silver medallist from the 2024 Paris Olympics was the centre of attention when he called in at the school last Monday.
Ahmed is an Iraqi-born Australian Paralympic swimmer who has competed at four Paralympic Games, winning two silver medals.
Ahmed was born with an arm and leg deficiency.
Until the age of seven, he lived in an orphanage in Baghdad.
It was then that he met Moira Kelly, who brought him to Victoria to get medical care for his disability.
He started swimming in 2008, after making a switch from Australian rules football.
Ahmed won his first Paralympic medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and, four years later in Paris, won a silver in the 150 metre medley.
“We were very lucky to have Ahmed come to the school last week and share his life journey and his Paralympic experiences,” Merri River Wellbeing/Hands On Learning teacher Jodie Carey said.
“The students were also fortunate enough to hold and look at his silver medal.”
