Keely Kelleher American alpine skier Date of Birth: 12.08.1984 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career Beginnings
3. Injury and Comeback
4. World Cup and Success
5. Olympic Team
6. Personal Life

Early Life and Education

Keely Kelleher was born on August 12, 1984, in Big Sky, Montana. Her passion for skiing began at the local ski school, where she excelled and joined the Rowmark Ski Academy. As captain of her ski team, Kelleher dedicated herself to the sport and earned the "Most Improved Skier" award in slalom and giant slalom in 1999-2000. Her exceptional performance in downhill skiing won her the "Northrop Award" in 2000-2001. By 2003, she had received the prestigious Senior Award from Rowmark Academy, recognizing her commitment and leadership.

Career Beginnings

Kelleher's World Cup debut came in December 2007 in Lake Louise, where she placed 44th in the downhill race. Her early achievements included an Olympic title (J2) in the junior giant slalom and combined event in 1999-2000, a super-giant slalom title in 2002, and a sixth-place finish in the US National Combined.

Injury and Comeback

A setback occurred during pre-season training in 2004, when Kelleher broke her right leg. After battling injuries, she made a strong comeback in the 2008 season, proving her readiness at the World Cup in St. Moritz. Despite challenging weather conditions, she placed an impressive 27th in the super-giant slalom.

World Cup and Success

Kelleher's success in the World Cup continued in the 2008-2009 season, where she achieved an eighth-place finish in the downhill at the European Cup and a 15th-place finish in the super combined. She also won the NorAm downhill at Lake Louise and came in second in the NorAm giant slalom at Mont Ste Anne.

Olympic Team

Kelleher was selected for the US Ski Team at the 2010 Winter Olympics. She represented her country in the downhill, giant slalom, and super-combined events.

Personal Life

Outside of skiing, Kelleher enjoys kayaking, reading, and music. Her older sister, Brenna, is a world champion kayaker. Kelleher maintains a column, "Keely's Corner," in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.