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.

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
Gold medal – first place2023 Manchester100 m freestyle S9
Silver medal – second place2023 Manchester50 m freestyle S9

Personal life

Leary was born on 18 August 2001. She grew up on the Gold Coast and at the age 7 to 8, her family moved to Yamba, New South Wales. Her family moved to Noosa where her triathlon coach was based.[1] On 17 July 2021, Leary suffered life-changing brain injuries as a result of serious cycling accident at Pomona, Queensland Sunshine Coast.[2] Whilst riding her bike in training for triathlons,her front wheel clipped the bike in front at 70 km/hr and landed on her head resulting major brain damage, blood clots and several broken bones.[3] She spent 111 days in hospital.[3][2] She attended Good Shepherd Lutheran College.[3] Her parents are Russ and Belinda Leary and has two sisters – Madison and Ashtyn and brother Max.[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]

References
  1. "The Road To Recovery – Alexa Leary". Bindi Nutrition. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  2. Trajkovich, Marina (4 November 2021). "Sunshine Coast triathlete Alexa Leary returns home after life-changing brain injury". 9News. 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. 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.
  5. "Alexa Leary". World Triathlon. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  6. "Results – 2023 World Para Swimming Championships". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
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