In a poignant ceremony held at the Paris 2024 Games site in Vaires-sur-Marne, the legacy of 1924 Paris Games rowing champion John B. Kelly Sr. was celebrated, with Monaco's Prince Albert II in attendance. The event, which marked the centennial of Kelly's Olympic victory, saw high-level dignitaries including the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, and Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing. Both praised Kelly for his indelible mark on the sport and the broader Olympic movement. The ceremony was particularly significant, noting Kelly’s contributions not just as an athlete but as a progenitor of an Olympic lineage that includes his son, John B. Kelly Jr., a 1956 Olympic bronze medalist, and his grandson, Prince Albert II, a Winter Olympian.
During the event, Prince Albert II shared heartfelt remarks about his maternal grandfather's profound influence and the enduring Olympic values that he embodied. The prince underscored the importance of sport in fostering a sense of global community and understanding, reflecting on how his grandfather’s legacy continues to inspire the Olympic family.
The tribute concluded with Prince Albert II presenting medals at the men’s double sculls event, symbolizing the continued connection between the Kelly family and the world of rowing. This gesture not only honored his grandfather’s memory but also highlighted the ongoing relationship between Monaco’s royal family and the international sporting community, reinforcing the principality's deep-rooted ties to the Olympics and its ideals.
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