Oxford Brookes gathers to honour Keith Kelly and commemorate Olympic & Paralympic success

Family, friends, colleagues, and elite athletes gathered on Saturday (2 November) at Oxford Brookes University to celebrate the life and legacy of Keith Kelly, the University’s former Director of Sport.

Keith, who tragically passed away in April after a period of illness, served as Director of Sport at Oxford Brookes for over 15 years, dedicating himself to the transformation and advancement of the University’s sports programmes.

During the event, held in the John Henry Brookes Building on Headington Campus, attendees shared their memories of Keith, including his wife Jess, daughter Maya and son Lucas, and mother Paula, reflecting on the lasting impact he made on those around him. 

Jess, Keith’s wife, said: “It was wonderful to see so many of Keith’s colleagues and friends celebrating his legacy, as well as sharing the impact he had as a person. Oxford Brookes Sport has been such a big part of his and our lives for such a long time. It is where Keith and I first met in 1999, and ever since we have as a family spent many happy times at the Sports Centre, professionally for him, but also personally for us all – playing or watching sports.  We will always feel connected to the amazing sporting culture at Brookes, and proud of what Keith did to shape and develop it over the many years he was there.”

Under his leadership, Oxford Brookes University rose into the top 25% of British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) ranked institutions—a remarkable achievement for the University and a testament to his vision and dedication.

Keith was especially passionate about elevating Oxford Brookes University Boat Club (OBUBC) to new heights, creating a programme known internationally for its excellence. His commitment extended to both men’s and women’s rowing, fostering an environment where student athletes could excel on and off the water. This investment in women’s rowing led to recent achievements, including Dutch National Championship wins and multiple podium finishes at the prestigious Koninklijke-Holland Beker regatta in Amsterdam this June.


Lucas Kelly read his own speech at the event. Image credited to All Mark One. 


Speaking at the event, Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, said: “More than 7,500 students have represented the university in competition during Keith’s time as Director of Sport. Some of these students went on to succeed at the very pinnacle of their sport. 

“But Keith’s vision extended beyond competition—he championed participation in sport not only for students but also for staff and the local community, emphasising wellness, recreation, and the enjoyment of being active.

“His commitment created a vibrant sports culture at Oxford Brookes, where everyone could find their place, whether they sought fun, fitness, or the thrill of competition.”

In a special tribute, Olympic and Paralympic medallists from Paris 2024, who trained under Keith’s leadership, attended the event. In honour of their achievements and Keith’s legacy, new boats were named after each of them. These included Olympic Gold medallists from Team GB’s Men’s Eight—Rory Gibbs, Morgan Bolding, Tom Digby, and coxswain Harry Brightmore— Bronze medallists Oli Wilkes, David Ambler, Matt Aldridge, and Freddie Davidson from the Men’s Coxless Four, and Paralympic Gold medallist Frankie Allen, who rowed for Great Britain in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four crew.


From left to right: Jack Carlson, Harry Brightmore, Rory Gibbs, Morgan Bolding, Matt Aldridge, Oli Wilkes, Frankie Allen, Freddie Davidson, David Ambler. Image credited to All Mark One. 



Harry Brightmore presented with a rowing boat by Head Coach Henry Bailhache-Webb.Image credited to All Mark One. 


Director of Rowing Richard Spratley at the event, with a rowing boat named after Keith. Image credited to All Mark One. 


Richard Spratley, Director of Rowing at Oxford Brookes, said: “It was an honour to be able to celebrate Keith’s lasting legacy and the countless contributions he made to sport at Oxford Brookes. Keith championed the idea that sport should be accessible to everyone, not just those competing at the elite level. His dedication meant that anyone, at any level, had the opportunity to compete and enjoy themselves. 

"In the rowing club, we are forever grateful for the passion and support he poured into making Brookes rowing a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. Our Olympians and Paralympians of 2024 who gathered at this event owe Keith a debt of gratitude for opening doors that helped them reach their full potential.

"Keith’s impact lives on in every sporting achievement at Oxford Brookes, inspiring all who aspire to partake, compete, and excel in university sport."

The day concluded with the BUCS Indoor Rowing Championships, where all 200 senior and novice rowers from OBUBC competed in a 2km race on rowing machines, going head-to-head with other university teams.


Keith Kelly pictured in June 2023, outside the OBUBC boathouse with a boat named after him, with Richard Spratley, Director of Rowing in the background.