Tully Kearney Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Parents, Disability, Paralympics, Classification, Family, Instagram

Table of Contents

Tully Kearney Biography

Tully Kearney is a prominent British Paralympic swimmer who has achieved remarkable success in her career, despite facing significant challenges. Born on April 11, 1997, Kearney was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and developed generalised dystonia, conditions that affect her movement and muscle control. Despite these challenges, she has become one of the leading figures in Paralympic swimming.

Kearney first gained international attention during the 2013 World Para Swimming Championships in Montreal, where she won her first major medal. However, her career was temporarily set back by a deterioration in her condition, leading to a reclassification in 2015, after which she moved into the S5 classification.

She made a strong comeback, especially at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), where she won gold in the 100m freestyle and silver in the 200m freestyle events. Kearney is also a ten-time world champion, holding several world records in the S5 category, including in the 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle events.

In the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Kearney faced a severe head injury that resulted in temporary memory loss. Despite these difficulties, she made a triumphant return, winning gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Tully Kearney Age

Tully Kearney was born on April 11, 1997, which makes her 27 years old as of 2024.

Tully Kearney Height

Tully Kearney’s height is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).

Tully Kearney Hometown

Tully Kearney’s hometown is Aldridge, a town in the West Midlands, England.

Tully Kearney Parents

Tully Kearney’s mother is Amanda Kearney1. Amanda has been a significant source of support for Tully throughout her swimming career and her battles with health issues1. There isn’t much publicly available information about her father.

Tully Kearney Educational Background

Tully Kearney pursued her education alongside her swimming career, balancing both academic and athletic commitments. She attended King Edward VI High School for Girls in Birmingham, where she developed her early interest in competitive swimming. Following high school, she continued her studies at the University of Manchester, where she focused on a degree in physiology, a field closely related to her athletic interests.

Tully Kearney Career

Tully Kearney Biography

Tully Kearney is a distinguished British Paralympic swimmer whose career is a testament to resilience, determination, and exceptional talent. Born with cerebral palsy and later developing generalized dystonia, Kearney has overcome significant physical challenges to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Her journey through the world of Paralympic swimming is marked by numerous records, medals, and inspirational moments that have solidified her status as one of the leading figures in para-sport.

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Tully Kearney’s swimming career began at a young age, but it wasn’t until her debut at the international level in 2013 that she truly emerged as a formidable competitor. At the World Para Swimming Championships in Montreal, Kearney showcased her potential by winning a bronze medal in the S10 400m freestyle. This performance marked her as one to watch in the years to come, setting the stage for what would be a highly successful career. Despite facing challenges with her health, Kearney continued to train rigorously, steadily rising through the ranks of Paralympic swimming.

Challenges and Reclassification

In 2015, Kearney faced one of the most significant challenges of her career when her condition worsened, leading to a reclassification from S10 to S9 and eventually to S5 due to the progression of her dystonia. This reclassification meant that Kearney had to adapt to a new level of competition, often against athletes with more severe disabilities. Despite the setbacks, Kearney’s determination never wavered. She responded to these challenges with outstanding performances, including multiple gold medals and world records at the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow, where she was one of the standout athletes.

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) marked a defining moment in Kearney’s career. After years of preparation and overcoming the odds, Kearney excelled in the pool, winning a gold medal in the S5 100m freestyle and a silver in the S5 200m freestyle. Her gold medal swim was particularly notable as she broke the Paralympic record, showcasing her incredible speed and technique.

World Records and Continued Dominance

Kearney’s success in Tokyo was not an isolated event but part of a broader pattern of dominance in her classification. Over the years, she has set numerous world records, particularly in the S5 category. Her records in the 50m, 100m, and 200m freestyle events are a testament to her speed and endurance.

Overcoming Injury and Memory Loss

In the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Paralympics, Kearney faced yet another significant challenge—a severe head injury that resulted in temporary memory loss. This injury could have ended her career, but Kearney once again demonstrated her resilience by returning to the pool and competing at the highest level. Her journey back to full fitness was difficult, involving extensive rehabilitation and training, but Kearney’s unwavering determination saw her make a successful comeback, including winning a gold medal in Paris.

Tully Kearney Net Worth

Tully Kearney’s net worth is not publicly disclosed.

Tully Kearney Instagram Presence

Tully Kearney is active on Instagram, where she shares updates about her life, training, competitions, and advocacy work. Her Instagram presence reflects her journey as a Paralympic swimmer, and she often posts about her achievements, the challenges she faces, and her experiences in and out of the pool. Her Instagram handle is @tully_kearney.