Every athlete at the Paralympics has an inspiring story, but even still, it’s hard to think of anyone with a more rousing background than Aussie swimmer Alexa Leary. The 23-year-old’s journey from a near-fatal accident to becoming a world champion and Paralympian is nothing short of remarkable.
Heading into the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Alexa Leary is a leading medal contender in the pool. We expect her to become Australia’s next swimming sensation over the next few weeks and beyond – with the same renown as other greats like Ellie Cole, Kaylee McKeown, Ariarne Titmus and Mollie O’Callaghan. So it’s about time you familiarise yourself with her story.
Who is Alexa Leary?
Alexa Leary is an Australian Paralympic swimmer. She competes in the S9 classification, which includes athletes with either physical or mental impairment.
Once an aspiring triathlete, Leary transitioned into para-sports after a cycling accident left her with a permanent brain injury. She has since become one of the world’s best swimmers in her classification and will head into the Paris Paralympics as a heavy favourite to bring home a medal.
What happened to Alexa Leary?
In July 2021, while cycling as part of her triathlon training, Alexa Leary was involved in a horrific cycling accident where her wheel clipped the bike in front of her while travelling above 70km/h. The incident resulted in major brain damage, blood clots and multiple fractures.
Leary’s road to recovery was long. She spent over 100 days in hospital and had to learn to walk and talk again. At the time, a return to competitive sports was out of the question. But with the same determination she’d used throughout all her life, Leary began the arduous process of rehabilitation.
As the months passed, Leary eventually returned to the water and began swimming. Although, her injuries forced a reassessment of her athletic career. She shifted her focus to Paralympic swimming, a decision we’re certain she doesn’t regret.
INSTAGRAM | @alexa_leary
What events does Alexa Leary compete in?
At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Alexa Leary has qualified for both the S9 50-metre freestyle and S9 100-metre freestyle.
Since her injury, Leary has emerged as one of Australia’s top Paralympic swimmers. In 2023, just two years after her accident, Leary competed at the Para-swimming world championships in Manchester. She came away from the meet with a gold medal in the S9 100-metre freestyle – nearly breaking a world record in the process – and a silver medal in the S9 50-metre freestyle.
Can Alexa Leary win gold in Paris?
As the reigning world champion in the S9 100-metre freestyle, Alexa Leary has a strong chance of winning gold at the Paris Paralympics. She finished more than two seconds ahead of her nearest opponent in her favoured event at the 2023 world championships, and it will take a massive upset for Leary to not win gold. She’s also likely to pick up a medal in the S9 50-metre freestyle and in various relays.
Regardless of how she fares in Paris, Alexa Leary has already accomplished an amazing feat by just being there in the first place. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and she’ll continue to inspire countless others facing their own challenges.
INSTAGRAM | @alexa_leary
