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John Calley Sr.American athlete and industrialist.
Date of Birth: 04.10.1889
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of John Brendan Kelly Sr.
John Brendan Kelly Sr. was an American athlete and industrialist, known as a typical embodiment of the "American dream." He paved his own path from a poor worker to a millionaire and a world-renowned figure solely through his talents and hard work. What's also interesting is that his children also became world-famous in their own time.
Early Life and Career
John Kelly was born in Philadelphia, USA. He had to leave school at an early age and started working as a bricklayer in his brother's construction company. At the age of 18, he began rowing competitively and excelled in both singles and doubles, becoming one of the best rowers in the United States. Kelly holds an outstanding record of winning 126 consecutive races, including six national championships by 1920.
In 1920, he traveled to post-war Europe to participate in the prestigious Henley Regatta, but the organizers prohibited him from competing due to a ridiculous reason. The regatta was considered purely amateur at the time, and the organizers classified Kelly as a professional because he worked as a bricklayer. The British aristocrats famously stated, "he who works with his hands - is not a gentleman."
However, just two months later, at the 1920 Olympics in Amsterdam, John Kelly restored justice. He won two gold medals, one in the single sculls event after an intense battle with British rower Jack Beresford, who incidentally had won Henley Regatta. The rowers were so exhausted that they couldn't even shake hands after the race. He also won gold in the double sculls event with his cousin, Paul Costello. After the Olympics, John Kelly sent his green rowing cap to King George V of England with a note saying, "Greetings from a bricklayer."
Later Life and Legacy
John Kelly retired from competitive rowing after the 1924 Olympics in Paris, where he and Paul Costello repeated their gold medal success in the double sculls event. He devoted his time to developing his successful construction business in Philadelphia. Additionally, he actively participated in the city's political life as a member of the Democratic Party, running for mayor and senatorial elections.
In 1946, Kelly established the annual John B. Kelly Sr. Sports Award, honoring those who support young athletes. In 1990, he was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.
Two of his children also became world-famous. His daughter, Grace Kelly, was a highly popular Hollywood actress who won an Oscar in 1954. She later married the Prince of Monaco and subsequently ended her acting career. This story continues to captivate the world press. His son, John Kelly Jr., followed in his father's footsteps as a renowned rower, winning eight U.S. championships and a bronze medal in the 1956 Olympics in the single sculls event. He later became the president of several sports associations, including the United States Olympic Committee.
