Kelly Holmes

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Other
SexFemale
Full nameKelly•Holmes
Used nameKelly•Holmes
Born19 April 1970 in Pembury, England (GBR)
Measurements163 cm / 55 kg
AffiliationsMiddlesex Ladies/Ealing, Southall and Middlesex, London
Title(s)Dame
NOC Great Britain
Medals OG
Gold 2
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 3

Biography

Kelly Holmes’ career as a middle-distance runner has been a testament to her perseverence. Frequently hampered by injuries, she starred as a runner while an English schoolgirl but joined the Army at 18, where she played on the volleyball and judo teams, and did not breakthrough to world class until 1993. She won the Commonwealth Games 1,500 metres in 1994 and 2002, which were her major international achievements until the 2004 Olympic Games. But at Athens she became only the third female runner to win the 800 and 1,500 metres at the same Olympics, despite not being favored in either event. At the end of 2004, Lady Kelly Holmes was made a dame for her efforts.

Personal Bests: 800 – 1:56.21 (1995); 1500 – 3:57.90 (2004).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1996 Summer Olympics Athletics GBR Kelly Holmes
800 metres, Women (Olympic) 4
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic) 11
2000 Summer Olympics Athletics GBR Kelly Holmes
800 metres, Women (Olympic) 3 Bronze
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic) 7
2004 Summer Olympics Athletics GBR Kelly Holmes
800 metres, Women (Olympic) 1 Gold
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic) 1 Gold

Other participations

Games Role NOC As
2004 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Closing Ceremony GBR Kelly Holmes

Special Notes