Road to Rio: 'Liquid nails' paralympian swimming for gold

Ahmed Kelly knows what it means to fight. He was born with severe disabilities in all four limbs. Adopted out of a Baghdad orphanage 16 years ago, he's now hoping to win gold for Australia in swimming at the Rio Paralympics.

Paralympian swimmer Ahmed Kelly is a man on a mission.

"I'm planning to make the top three and if I get on that podium, it would be a dream come true," he told SBS.

He missed out on a medal in London by a whisker but true to his fighting spirit, he's now aiming for a medal in Rio.

He earned the nickname "nails" for his tough playing style with his local AFL team Kilmore in Victoria. When he became a Paralympic swimmer, his nickname became "liquid nails".

Ahmed Kelly (right) joins teammates at the official Australian Paralympic team uniform launch Source: Australian Paralympic Committee

Kelly loves the fact the new Paralympic uniforms embody an Indigenous design throughout.

"They're definitely trying to put that into our swimsuit, which is great." he told SBS.

For Indigenous 400-metre runner Torita Isaac, the chance to represent her Aboriginal heritage in Rio is special. 

"I love my culture, I'm a proud indigenous woman so yeah, really good," she said.

Team co-captain Kurt Fearnley is used to winning medals and accolades. But despite the fact this could be his last games, the legendary wheelchair racer is loving the chance to inspire his team mates. 

"I would do anything to help their journey towards whatever result they're after," he said.