World Champion
Before 1876, the English Sculling Championship was considered to be the premier event in professional sculling. In 1876, the English Title gained the World status and earlier winners were retrospectively given the title of World Champion. Kelley first won the World Championship by beating the holder, James Messenger, on 12 May 1857. He lost it to Robert Chambers (oarsman) on the 20 Sept 1859. Chambers had several defences of the Title before Kelley challenged again. The race was on the 8 August 1865 and Kelley won. James Hamill was the American Champion and he challenged Kelley to two races, only one of which was a Championship race. They were held in England in July 1866. Kelley won both of them and he shortly after announced his retirement. Chambers later retook the Title in an open race.
Kelley came out of retirement in 1867 and again challenged Chambers to a match. This race was on the 6 May 1868 with the result that Kelley was again World Champion. He finally lost the Title to James Renforth in a race on the 17 November 1868.
For details of the six World Title races that Kelley was involved in see World Sculling Championship.
Read more about this topic: Harry Kelley
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