Kellerman fulfils Paralympic dream
NEXT week Adam Kellerman will embark on the journey of a lifetime, when he dons the green and gold at the 2012 London Paralympics.
NEXT week Adam Kellerman will embark on the journey of a lifetime, when he dons the green and gold at the 2012 London Paralympics.
The 21-year-old has done it tough since being diagnosed with cancer in his right hip at the age of 13, but for the last five-and-a-half years wheelchair tennis has been an escape from all the anguish, and now he has reached the top of his trade.
His family will be in London to cheer him on, and there will be no bigger supporters than his mum and dad. “We are as proud as a parent could possibly be,” Kellerman’s dad Ray told The AJN.
“He continues to be a shining light and we are very excited to go watch him in London.”
The family had to endure three tough years after Kellerman’s diagnosis, but they got through the hard times together and are reaping the rewards now.
“It’s definitely been quite a journey,” Ray said.
“To get through what he did took enormous courage and determination, and we had to reshape our thinking and see where he was going.
“It was a really difficult time and Adam was the one that had to come to grips with his new life, but once he got through that there was only an upside.”
Kellerman has received momentous support throughout his journey to Olympic selection and it’s something that has not gone unnoticed by the family.
“We appreciate the support,” Ray said. “It’s been extremely difficult for a while, but we’re now looking forward to London.
“I don’t think there will be a dry eye at the opening ceremony and there is no way I’ll be able to sit still during his matches.”
Kellerman has improved his world ranking to number 25 in the world in the singles and 22 in the doubles.
He will head to the Paralympics as one of only four Australian wheelchair tennis players, and will feature in both the singles and doubles events alongside the country’s best player, Ben Weekes.
He recently made it to the final of the Austrian Open and was a key member of the Australian side at the World Team Cup in May, but has his sights set on London and a possible Paralympic medal.
ASHLEY SHENKER
Paralympic wheelchair tennis medal hopeful Adam Kellerman.
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