Alexa Leary

Alexa Leary (born 18 August 2001) is an Australian Paralympic swimmer. She won a gold medal and silver medal at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships. She has been selected to compete at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.

Alexa Leary
Personal information
NationalityAustralian
Born18 August 2001 (2001-08-18) (age 22)
Sport
CountryAustralia
SportParalympic swimming
Disability classS9
ClubSt Hilda's, Gold Coast
Coached byJon Bell
Medal record
Paralympic swimming
Representing  Australia
World Para Swimming Championships
2023 Manchester100 m freestyle S9
2023 Manchester50 m freestyle S9

Personal life

Leary was born on 18 August 2001. Her parents are Russ and Belinda Leary. She has two sisters, Madison and Ashtyn, and two brothers Max and Jack.[1] She grew up on the Gold Coast and later Yamba and Noosa, where her triathlon coach was based.[2] She attended Good Shepherd Lutheran College.[3]

On 17 July 2021, Leary suffered life-changing brain injuries as a result of a serious cycling accident in Pomona, Queensland.[4] Whilst riding her bike in training for triathlons, her front wheel clipped the bike ahead at 70 km/h. She landed on her head which resulted in major brain damage, blood clots and several broken bones.[3] She spent 111 days in hospital.[3][4] Whilst in hospital, a fund raising campaign called 'moveforlex' raised over $130,000 for enhanced care at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Neurosurgery Ward with a focus on equipment and family support.[3]

Triathlon career

Leary won the silver medal at in the Women's Under 18–19 at World Triathlon Grand Final in Lausanne, Switzerland before her training accident.[5]

Swimming career

Her triathlon training incorporated swimming. After her training accident, she was classified as an S9 swimmer. At the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships, Manchester, she won a gold medal in the Women's 100 m Freestyle S9 just outside the world record and a silver medal in the Women's 50 m Freestyle S9.[6]

She is coached by Jon Bell at St Hilda's on the Gold Coast. She has a been selected to compete at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.[7]

Recognition

References
  1. Decent, Tom (21 April 2023). "'They call me a miracle': Alexa cheated death. Now she's on the Australian swim team". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  2. "The Road To Recovery – Alexa Leary". Bindi Nutrition. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  3. Hall, Peter (4 November 2021). "'This is unbelievable': after 111 days in hospital Lex returns home to continue brave fightback". Sunshine Coast News. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  4. Trajkovich, Marina (4 November 2021). "Sunshine Coast triathlete Alexa Leary returns home after life-changing brain injury". 9News. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  5. "Alexa Leary". World Triathlon. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  6. "Results – 2023 World Para Swimming Championships". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  7. "Paralympics Australia Names Swimming Team For Paris 2024 Games". Paralympics Australia. 14 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  8. "Dolphin Déjà Vu Ahead Of Paris For O'callaghan And Crothers". Swimming Australia. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
  9. Commission, Australian Sports Commission; jurisdiction=Commonwealth of Australia; corporateName=Australian Sports. "Swimming makes a big splash at AIS Performance Awards". Australian Sports Commission. Retrieved 29 November 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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