A SOLIHULL cyclist has been crowned World Time Trial Champion at the World Transplant Games.
Jo Kelly has achieved international glory at the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden, Germany.
Representing Team Great Britain, the 40-year-old became world champion taking gold in the individual time trial, gold in the team triathlon relay, and silver in the road race.
This follow her double gold performance at the British Transplant Games in August, cementing her reputation as one of the most accomplished transplant athletes in the world.
The Games were particularly emotional for Jo, who reunited with her donor, Stefan Berens from Germany, during the opening ceremony.
This was only their second meeting in person—their first reunion was broadcast nationally on BBC Breakfast, where their story of hope and international solidarity touched millions.
The mum of two said: “I’m overwhelmed to have come away from Dresden with two gold medals and a silver—it’s beyond what I dreamed of.
“Becoming world champion in the time trial is such a proud moment, but sharing this experience with Stefan in his home country has made it truly unforgettable. I’m so thankful—for my health, my family, my teammates, and for the chance to show what’s possible after a transplant.”
The data engineer was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma aged 22 when she had just graduated from university and three years later she was told there was nothing more that could be done for her, and her illness was terminal.
She was inspired to take up track cycling in 2012 after watching the London Olympics while she was having her transplant as part of her treatment.
There was a little pedal machine at the hospital which she would sit on and pedal while watching the Olympics, until she eventually became too weak and fatigued to move the pedals.
It took Jo four years following her transplant to be well enough to take up the sport but when she did she found she had a real talent for it. She joined a cycling group at the velodrome in Manchester, where they lived at the time, and she ‘completely got the bug’.
Since her recovery, Jo has not only returned to fitness but excelled.
She has raised over £12,000 for charity through endurance cycling events and continues to be a passionate advocate for stem cell donation, regularly speaking on behalf of Anthony Nolan, the charity that matched her with Stefan.
