Kelly Gallagher, born in 1985, is a world-renowned British skier. Though the sport is hard enough, Kelly faces an extra challenge in the form of her partial sightedness, meaning that she needs a sighted guide to lead her town the slope at breathtaking speeds. As the first Northern Ireland athlete to compete in a Winter Paralympics, her performance at Sochi in 2014 earned her Britain's first-ever Winter Paralympic gold medal.
Prior to graduating with a degree in Mathematics from the University of Bath, Kelly tried Para-Alpine skiing whilst on a family trip for the first time at the age of 17. In 2009, Kelly made her international debut in New Zealand, whilst competing with her guide, Claire Robb, due to her oculocutaneous albinism. In the race, the pair won gold in the giant slalom. After their performance, both Kelly and Claire were invited to join the British team for the following Winter Paralympics in 2010. Kelly is funded by the Sport Northern Ireland Athlete Support Programme, supported by the Sports Institute for Northern Ireland and backed by Disability Sports NI.
At the 2010 Winter Paralympics, Kelly became the first athlete from Northern Ireland to compete. Competing against other visually impaired skiers, she contested the giant slalom and slalom events to finish in the latter and achieved the British team's highest finish in the former. Following her success, Kelly then chose a new sighted guide for the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, selecting 19-year-old Charlotte Evans - since struggling with ligament injuries, Charlotte turned her hand to coaching. Prior to the games, Kelly won a silver and bronze medal at the IPC World Championships and a gold medal at the Europa Cup Finals, both in 2011 alongside Charlotte.
In 2014, Kelly and Charlotte won Britain's first gold medal at the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia. After Kelly’s brave, talented and determined performance, she was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2014 Birthday Honours, in recognition of her dedication to disabled athletes. Additionally, she was awarded a Pery Medal by the Ski Club of Great Britain. Most recently, at the 2019 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships, Kelly and her sight guide, Gary Smith, won 1 silver medal and 2 bronze medals.
Thanks to her extensive experience of personal perseverance, Kelly is an inspiring motivational speaker. Charismatic, friendly and optimistic, she lights up the room as soon as she enters the stage. Booking Kelly guarantees a memorable event, brought to life by such an interesting and talented sporting figure.
