Pride of Australia: Young sports star Hamish is unstoppable

From cricket to creative writing, swimming to soccer, 11-year-old Hamish does it all. And he does it with just one arm.

From cricket to creative writing, swimming to soccer, 11-year-old Hamish does it all. And he does it with just one arm. Picture: Tim Carrafa

There’s no stopping Hamish Keenan.

He’s a ruckman, a tennis player, a guitarist and a state swimming champ.

He plays soccer and is about to start his first year of cricket.

He loves to write and says he’s pretty creative.

And at 11 years old, he does it all with just one hand.

Parents David and Alexandra were told at Hamish’s 20-week pregnancy scan that their first child had a rare condition which meant his left arm wouldn’t form like his right.

The diagnosis, called Transverse Limb Deficiency, momentarily turned the couple’s world upside down.

“It was our first born and when you’re both fit and healthy … absolutely (it was a shock),” Mr Keenan said.

Hamish plays for West Coburg Football Club. Picture: Jason Edwards

Hamish Keenan and his family. Picture: Tim Carrafa

But the family — and Hamish — were determined not let that stop their boy from doing anything any other kid would do.

“He throws himself into everything,” Mr Keenan said.

“He’s got very good hand-eye coordination. He’s a very personal boy for his age — he’ll have no qualms to approach people.

“He’s the first one to go up and approach other kids.”

And put simply, Hamish doesn’t see his world any differently.

He’s just one of the boys at school and on the footy field.

“I guess when you’re writing you only ever use your one hand,” he said.

The youngster’s determination has earned him a Pride of Australia nomination.