Adam Kellerman – NSW Maccabi Sportsman of the Year
There are people who squander their talent. There are those who don’t take advantage of every opportunity that life presents.
Then there are individuals who reach for the stars. They sap every ounce of juice out of every experience with their gift and strengths proving to their competitors that they have an unwavering desire to achieve. Rarely will you come across an individual at such a tender age that inspires and lifts you to believe that anything is possible.
Adam Kellerman
Meet Adam Kellerman recently acknowledged at the Maccabi Annual Awards Event.
Adam Kellerman, Wheelchair Tennis – winner Lou Rose MBE,
Sportsman of the Year
Adam Kellerman, aged 20, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, bone cancer in his hip when only 13 years old. “It was my Barmitzvah gift.” Adam jokes, “There were complications after my surgery involving a post-operative infection resulting in a three year recovery process.”
Adam explains, “Tennis is my sport of choice, I didn’t try anything else because I felt like I didn’t need to. Wheelchair tennis seemed like a big enough challenge to conquer and I was right. The biggest obstacle in learning wheelchair tennis was learning to move the wheelchair. I had played tennis before I got sick so I knew the shots. I just had to adapt them but changing from footwork to wheel position was the hard part. It is harder but when you are not given a choice, the only alternative is to put in the hard work and make it happen.”
Notably, Adam’s greatest achievement to date was recently, the World Team Cup 2010 in Antalya, Turkey. He won all of his singles matches without dropping a set. Adam says, “Winning for my country was an unbeatable feeling. Although, Australia came 10th out of 32 countries I felt like I played better than I ever had before.” Adam credits his recovery and successful return to the sport that he loves to his devoted parents who never lost faith in his ability. Igniting his mental determination to beat his illness and move forward. Adam’s mantra is his parent’s best advice. “Always put in 100% effort then whether I walk away a winner or a loser I know it was all I could do.” Adam certainly has a fire in his belly and an iron fist will to win.
This is just the beginning!
