Danielle Kelly is one of the most successful and well-known Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes today.
But, the ONE Championship standout went through a personal tragedy as a young adult… She lost both of her parents due to illness.
Kelly shared more in a recent interview with ONE:
It just kind of sucks because seeing someone you love struggle and then eventually, you know, they’re not the same person, really puts a toll on a child.
And still, that’s why I do Jiu-Jitsu.
I feel like when I compete, especially right now, being under ONE, there’s a fire inside me.
She has a type of motivation that is very different from most athletes’:
I think, looking back at my old matches, I was totally different.
I’m doing this, and I’m here for a reason.
Doing this for my parents, and it’s really motivating.Unfortunately, they’re not here, so my motivation just kind of goes towards showing them what they’ve done for me, and I can prove myself, and improve over time.
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Kelly’s dad had a lasting impact on her:
That’s one of the reasons I stuck with Jiu-Jitsu.
Because every day, I’m reminded of him and his motivational words to me, every time I come home from a big tournament or something and I won.He’d be really excited to see it play from the camera and all my matches. Just seeing him smile and be really happy that he sees I’m enjoying this and I’m improving.
That would be one of the greatest memories.
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