Born:
April 19, 1970
in
Pembury, Kent
Best Known For:
Her double gold-winning success at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
Early-life:
Born on April 19, 1970, Kelly is the eldest of five children. Her parents separated when she was two years old and her mother Patricia subsequently married Michael Norris. Her athletic career began at her local primary school, where she overcame her hatred of cross-country running to prove herself a consistent winner.
Career:
Holmes's mother took her to Tonbridge Athletics Club, where the youngster came under the wing of coach David Arnold. He recognised her ability, and within a short time she had scooped the English schools title. At the age of 18, she joined the Army, where she continued to dabble in sport, but in 1992 decided she could compete at international level, and made her debut a year later. During her athletic career, she amassed many medals and titles, including European bronze in 2002, World silver in 2003 in the 800m discipline, as well as Commonwealth gold in 1994 and 2002 in the 1500m. However, injury dogged her career and prevented her from achieving her Olympic dream - until 2004. She was awarded an MBE in 1998, was voted 2004 BBC Sports personality of the Year, and made a Dame in the 2005 New Year's Honours list. Since retiring from athletics in 2005, Holmes has made guest appearances on a number of TV shows. In 2008, she set up her own charity, the DKH Legacy Trust, which provides aspiring young athletes with an opportunity to work with and alongside elite sports performers.
Quote:
On her decision to retire from athletics: "I have achieved everything I wanted to in my life and want to make the most of my life from now on."
Trivia:
Holmes has her own range of fitness equipment.