Ashley Kelly is a 25 year old Olympian Athletic from the British Virgin Islands. She a strong hearted and passionate about her sport. She is dedicated to fulfilling her dreams as she takes on the world by storm.
What did it feel like in the moment that you qualified for the Olympic games?
A feeling of relief. I felt like my hard work had paid off finally and all the past failures felt worth it. In the moment tears came to my eyes and I was just elated.
What would you say has been the most difficult part of your journey as a professional athlete?
I think finances. I am blessed to have parents that support my dream and help in any way they can. The first couple years out of college were hard because I chose to follow my dream instead of jumping into the work force, so I didn’t see any financial return until 3 years into my pro career. In addition, time management, I started grad 2 years ago and it has been a grind to balance track and school. I graduated arranged my schedule so that I could finish before the 2016 Games.
What advice do you have for young athletes in your country/region who dream of becoming professional athletes / being an Olympian?
Always believe in your dream, and you have to work hard to be successful. I believe that my hard work and dedication helped me get to this point and I would never be an Olympian if I didn’t push myself out of my comfort zone. Also, never let anyone dim your light, if you believe you are a star don’t allow anyone to tell you differently.
