Jack Kelly Sr. (rower)

John Brendan Kelly Sr., born on October 4, 1889, was a remarkable figure in American sports and business. Renowned as a triple Olympic champion in rowing, he made history as the first athlete to achieve this feat in the sport. His athletic prowess was matched by his entrepreneurial spirit, as he became a multimillionaire in the bricklaying and construction industry, establishing a legacy that extended beyond the water.

In addition to his accomplishments in sports and business, Kelly was actively involved in politics. He served as Pennsylvania's secretary of revenue and made an attempt to enter the political arena by running for mayor of Philadelphia in the 1935 election, although he was not successful in that endeavor.

Kelly's family life was equally notable. He had four children, including the iconic actress Grace Kelly, who became the Princess of Monaco. This connection made him the maternal grandfather of Albert II, Prince of Monaco. His son, Jack Kelly Jr., followed in his father's athletic footsteps, becoming an accomplished rower and later serving as president of the U.S. Olympic Committee.