Kelly Elmlinger
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- Year:
- 1997-98
Kelly Elmlinger (1997-98) is one of the most accomplished athletes in Tiffin University history. After competing for two seasons with the Dragons cross country, track, and women’s basketball programs, she embarked on a lengthy career as a combat medic with the 82nd Airborne Division serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. After losing her left leg to cancer, she pursued a career in paratriathlon and has achieved world class status in her category. Amongst her many achievements, she earned the title of Paralympian with a 7th place finish at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games racing up a division against women with more ability. In her category, she is the 2021 World Champion, ranks first in the world, and has 17 podium finishes out of 19 starts with 14 golds. She also competed in Para swimming, cycling, and track in the 2014, 2016, and 2017 Invictus Games. The 2015 Los Angeles Marathon was her first wheelchair marathon where she qualified for the 2016 Boston Marathon wheelchair division. She was also named 2018 USA Paratriathlon Developmental Athlete of the Year. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Science of Nursing and a master’s degree in Nursing Administration. After 20 years of military service, she retired from the Army and currently trains full time for the Paratriathlon National Team. She and her family reside in San Antonio, Texas.