Baghdad orphan Kelly finds home in Australian pool

He has described himself as the happiest man alive, yet in 20 years, Iraq-born swimmer Ahmed Kelly has risen above extreme hardship to become one of Australia's leading medal hopes at the London Paralympics.

Kelly, along with his brother Emmanuel, was born severely disabled, with under-developed limbs as a result of their parents' exposure to chemical weapons.

He was left on an orphanage doorstep in Baghdad, a world away from the Aquatics Centre pool that he will dive into for his 100 freestyle, 50 breaststroke and 150 individual medley events starting next week.