Superstar Ahmed Kelly claims silver after a mistaken disqualification

Two time Australian Paralympian Ahmed Kelly has taken home a silver medal in the Men’s 150m Medley SM3 at the Paris Paralympic Games.

His success in this heat was a proud moment for Australia, after facing a heart-breaking disqualification in his previous heat where he secured a gold medal. With officials claiming Kelly broke the rules by swimming butterfly instead of freestyle in his final lap, Swimming Australia acted and protested his disqualification.

After reviewing underwater camera footage, it was clear Kelly was using the correct freestyle method despite how his stroke looked above water. Once successfully reinstated into the finals heat for the Men’s 150m Medley SM3, Kelly’s medal winning dreams were not disappointed.

He claimed silver after finishing 2:16:00 seconds behind gold medallist Germany and alongside good friend Grant Patterson in third.

Kelly proudly spoke with reporters about his success in the event, despite the surprising challenge he faced.

“The reason surprised me because I’ve been to four Games, and they couldn’t get it right today for some reason,” Kelly said.

“They make mistakes. Officials are humans. We put that put behind us and tried to put a real good race on tonight.

“Once the decision was overturned, it was all full focus for that final. It definitely didn’t impact that race. I’ve got quite a unique freestyle (stroke) that may look like it’s butterfly, but in fact … it’s not exactly butterfly.”