Aussie swimmer wins gold medal two years after horrific cycling accident left her parents so badly injured
- Alexa Leary suffered a life-threatening brain injury
- Followed accident in July 2021 during triathlon training on her bike
- Shifted her focus to compete as a Paralympic athlete
Just over two years after her parents were told to say goodbye to her in a hospital bed in Brisbane, paraswimmer Alexa Leary is celebrating a world championship gold medal.
Leary surprised the rest of the field at the women’s 100m freestyle S9 event in Manchester on Thursday, taking one minute and 0.24 seconds to make an extraordinary comeback from a life-threatening brain injury.
In July 2021, a 70 km/h accident during triathlon training forced her to have emergency surgery to stay alive.
Her parents Russ and Belinda were advised to prepare for their farewell, and even when their daughter held on, they were told she was unlikely to walk or talk again.
Now the 21-year-old can set her sights on competing in the Paralympic Games in Paris next year after her exploits in England.
Paraswimmer Alexa Leary celebrates a gold medal from the world championships
In July 2021, Leary was involved in a 70 km/h cycling accident during triathlon training, requiring emergency surgery to stay alive.
Alexa Leary in hospital with her parents Russell and Belinda after the shocking accident
“I’m more than happy with it,” said a delighted Leary after climbing the podium.
“I’ve come this far, it’s a big thing for me that I persevered.
“The reason I’m here is because the people around me support me non-stop.
“I’m actually really proud, I’m like ‘Yeah, Lex, you’ve outdone yourself’.”
Katja Dedekind added a bronze medal at the Australian Para Swimming World Championships, with a season best of 1:06.98 in the 100m backstroke S13.
After taking the field at the World Championships in Manchester in the S9 100m freestyle, 21-year-old Leary can now set her sights on next year’s Paris Paralympic Games
Alexa Leary (right) has many athletes wish she could excel at the Paralympic level, including Aussie BMX rider Kai Sakakibara (left)
Alexa Leary showed tremendous determination throughout her recovery, both in and out of the hospital
“It’s not the race I was hoping for,” said a disappointed Dedekind of her third place.
It’s a practice match for next year. We learn what works and what doesn’t.
“It’s back to the drawing board… and see what we need to do to improve that result.”
Thursday night’s race ended with silver for the Aussie quartet of Jack Ireland, Madeleine McTernan, Ruby Storm and Ben Hance in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay S14.