2024Centenary Of John B. Kelly’s Olympic Gold Medal - Sheetlets

John Brendan (known as "Jack") Kelly Sr is probably the greatest rower the United States has ever produced. Born in Philadelphia on October 4, 1889 to Irish parents, he learned to row on the Schuylkill River. While beginning to work as a mason, he won many victories in rowing but also excelled in basketball and American football. Enlisted in the American army during the First World War, he created his own construction company in 1919 following his demobilization. He achieved a unique feat during the Antwerp Olympic Games in 1920 by winning in half an hour, the single scull event, then that of the double sculls with his cousin Paul Costello. He would be crowned gold again in 1924 in Paris. He would become the father of four children including John Kelly Jr, also an Olympic rowing medalist, and Grace Kelly, a famous American actress who became Princess of Monaco.