Alexa Leary is an Australian Paralympic swimmer who has made a significant mark in competitive swimming.
Known for her remarkable achievements, including a gold and a silver medal at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships, Leary’s journey has been both inspiring and challenging.
Highlights
- During a cycling session, Leary’s front wheel clipped the bike in front of her, causing a devastating crash. The impact resulted in multiple broken bones, a punctured lung, and a shattered leg.
- Leary spent six months in the hospital, where doctors were uncertain if she would survive, walk, or talk again.
- Defying all odds, Leary’s determined willpower enabled her to overcome these severe challenges.
Her success in the S9 100m freestyle claimed the world championship title. Despite some horrific challenges, Leary’s willpower led her to transition from triathlon to para-sports.
Alexa Leary’s Remarkable Journey Overcoming A Fatal Accident And Severe Injuries To Chase Paralympic Dreams!
Leary’s path to the Paralympics has been marked by extraordinary challenges. In 2021, while training as a triathlete, she suffered a catastrophic accident.
During a cycling session, her front wheel clipped the bike in front of her at a speed of 70 km/h.
This devastating crash left Leary with severe injuries: she landed on her head, resulting in several broken bones, a punctured lung, and a shattered leg.
It was said that her “d*ath was certain” unless doctors performed a lifesaving procedure to remove part of Alexa’s skull.
Her injuries were so severe that she had to stay in the hospital for six months. During this time, doctors weren’t sure if she would survive or ever be able to walk or talk again.
She also experienced permanent weakness down the right side of her body, complicating her recovery.
Despite these severe challenges, Leary’s determination and fighting spirit enabled her to defy the odds.
After her recovery, Leary put her energy into swimming. It became a way for her to heal and also a chance for her to achieve great things.
Despite her physical and mental challenges, she continued to push boundaries and redefine her limits.
Her hard work and dedication paid off. During the trials in Brisbane, she qualified for the 50m freestyle at the Paralympics with a time of 27.89.
“I’ve actually come so far,” she mentioned, amazed at her progress. Recalling that horrible accident, Alexa said,
Everyone said goodbye to me. They all thought I was going to pass away. That’s why they call me a miracle. They said I would never walk again and I would never talk again. I have a traumatic brain injury. Life’s really hard because I damaged all my feelings. It was a really hard time.
Alexa Leary
Triathlon was my everything. I have ADHD, so I always liked to do three sports. I was in a big accident. I don’t remember it.
Additional Information
- Alexa Leary and Wil O’Dwyer were in a relationship. Wil O’Dwyer posted an emotional tribute to Alexa Leary, who faced challenges after a biking accident.
- Alexa Leary’s parents are Russ and Jenny Leary. She has two brothers named Max and Jack.
- An Australian Paralympic swimmer renowned for her achievements in para-swimming, Alexa Leary’s net worth is estimated at around $200,000.
