Joseph Maria Kelly, a dynamic and multifaceted individual of Irish-American heritage, was born on December 20, 1972, marking the beginning of a life filled with a diverse array of interests, talents, and pursuits.
As a prominent figure within the esteemed Kelly Family, Kelly has successfully carved out a distinctive reputation for himself as a multifaceted musician, showcasing his remarkable talents as a drummer, vocalist, and proficient player of both electric and acoustic guitars, as well as an array of percussion instruments.
But beyond his impressive musical endeavors, Kelly has also demonstrated a passion for athletic pursuits, utilizing the band's hiatus to explore various competitive sports, further diversifying his impressive repertoire of skills and interests.
Kelly's remarkable athletic career has been marked by a plethora of endurance events, encompassing a diverse range of activities such as marathons, ultramarathons, and triathlons. By 2006, he had successfully completed an astonishing number of over 50 marathons, showcasing his exceptional endurance and stamina. Additionally, Kelly has participated in a multitude of endurance competitions, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft.
One of the most notable highlights of Kelly's athletic journey is his impressive performance at the Ultraman competition in Hawaii, where he achieved an outstanding seventh-place finish. Furthermore, Kelly's remarkable team effort with his teammate Thorsten Vahl at the 2001 Race Across America (RAAM) resulted in a commendable fourth-place finish, solidifying his reputation as a formidable endurance athlete.
In the year 2002, Kelly embarked on an extraordinary adventure by joining a triumphant 4-person mixed team, comprising his spouse, and collectively, they successfully completed the renowned RAAM.
Kelly's impressive streak continued as he participated in the Atacama Crossing, a grueling 250-kilometer race held in Chile, in the year 2008. This formidable challenge pushed Kelly to his limits, as he completed the race in an impressive 6 days, 36 hours, and 15 minutes.
Kelly's remarkable performance in the Atacama Crossing did not go unnoticed, as he secured a respectable fourth-place overall finish and, more impressively, emerged as the first-place finisher in his age group, solidifying his reputation as a formidable ultra-endurance athlete.
Kelly's illustrious athletic journey has been marked by an unwavering commitment to self-improvement, as he consistently challenged himself to transcend boundaries and attain unprecedented heights of achievement, thereby solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor.
