Three years ago, Alexa Leary emerged on the pool deck in Adelaide, uncertain of her future in swimming. Since surviving a devastating bike accident, her journey has inspired many across Australia, culminating in a gold medal at the Paris Paralympic Games last year.
Recently, during the national swimming trials in Adelaide, the 23-year-old athlete showcased her talent yet again by clinching victory in the women’s 50-metre freestyle multi-class final, just missing her own world record by a mere 0.01 seconds. Looking ahead, she is set to compete in the world para-swimming championships in Singapore this September.
At last year’s Paralympic trials in Brisbane, her father Russ expressed overwhelming joy when interviewing with Nine, elated at his daughter’s qualification for the Paris Games. This emotional sentiment resurfaced in Adelaide during the recent trials as he fought back tears while discussing her incredible recovery journey.
“Don’t make me cry again,” he joked to Cate Campbell in the audience while reflecting on the traumatic aftermath of the accident. Consoled by his wife Belinda, he recounted the family’s struggles. “It is happy sadness now. You just roll along.”
Russ reminisced about their first meet three years ago when they arrived without a coach and faced significant challenges, including Alexa’s brain fog and memory issues that required her to rely on reminders for laps. “She’s come an amazing way. Alexa, we are so proud of you,” he said, emphasising her progress.
Post-race, Alexa spoke of the mental strength she has developed, stating, “I’ve just had a really big mental game. I’ve gotten stronger and stronger every day. It shocks me how far I have come.” She clocked a time of 23.24 seconds, just shy of her record from last month and focused on executing her coach’s strategies and skills.
While she acknowledged the proximity to her world record, Alexa remarked, “I’m not here to break a world record… My big show time is in Singapore.” Reflecting on her earlier struggles, she remembered how swimming was initially a form of rehabilitation for her right side. “I just think I’ve come so far from that day. Like, woah,” she recalled, showcasing not only her physical resilience but also her mental fortitude.
Her inspiring story continues to resonate with many, underlining her remarkable transformation from those initial uncertain days in Adelaide to her current status as a champion athlete.