North Queensland teen Kayne Kellett eyes Paralympic glory after smashing national long jump record

A William Ross State High School student has set his sights on representing Australia as a Paralympian after breaking a national long jump record years ahead of his age group.

A William Ross State High School student has set his sights on representing Australia as a Paralympian after breaking a national long jump record at the Queensland state championships.

Kayne Kellett, 15, was born with cerebral palsy and competes under a T37 classification, which the Australian Paralympic Committee defines as one half of the body affected, arm and leg on same side.

Kellett added 85cm to the national T37 under-17 long jump record over the weekend with a 5m leap, despite being two years younger than his competitors.

He also took home sprint medals in the 100m (bronze) and 200m (silver).

Ahead of the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane next month, Kellett’s mother said her son’s ultimate goal was to represent Australia at the Paralympic Games.

Townsville para-athlete Kayne Kellett. Picture: Supplied

“The Paralympics is the number one dream, that would be the ultimate,” Karina Kellett said.

“2032 (Brisbane) is definitely an ambition. That will be the one that all his friends and family and come along and cheer him on. That’s definitely the big goal.

“I’m very proud of him. He’s doing absolutely amazing and we’re stoked with his performances, and the effort he’s been putting in.”

Townsville para-athlete Kayne Kellett. Picture: Supplied

Kellett was born with left side hemiplegia after suffering a pre-natal stroke, leaving his right side severely weakened.

Years of physical therapy have improved the strength on his right side to the degree his mother said his disability was only apparent upon closer inspection.

“It doesn’t affect him much at all,” she said.

“We have put a lot of work in from a very young age so a lot of people don’t notice he’s got anything until you stop and look.

“We’ve always had a lot of physiotherapy but instead of just doing physio, everything we did became a physical activity.

“If we were walking to the shops Kayne walked along the gutter, balancing. We always kept him very physical to build those muscles up.

“We don’t miss a training session unless we have to. He trains four hours a week at least, on top of his school, physio, everything else. When he’s there he puts in effort, he doesn’t just turn up.”

Townsville para-athlete Kayne Kellett. Picture: Supplied

Kellett’s athletics journey began at 10 years old, when he was invited by a teacher to try out for the North Queensland athletics team.

His talent on the track was immediately obvious.

“We didn’t even know what we were doing to be honest. He was a footballer at the time,” his mother said.

“We turned up for that (trials) and eight weeks later he was a national champion. We were like, oh s---, I think we are good at this.”

Now 15, Kellett is still too young compete in international carnivals so next month’s national championship campaign at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre - a mooted site for the 2032 Olympic Opening Ceremony - represents the Mount Everest of his sporting journey.

He will compete in the long jump, his favoured event, and both 100m and 200m sprint events, where he hopes to medal in all three.

Originally published as North Queensland teen Kayne Kellett eyes Paralympic glory after smashing national long jump record