Australian Swimmer Alexa Leary Breaks World Record to Win Paralympic Gold After Defying All Odds
Australian swimmer Alexa Leary has captured the world’s attention by winning Paralympic gold in the 100m S9 freestyle, smashing the world record in the process. Just days after helping her team triumph in the mixed 4x100m medley relay 34 points, Leary swam an incredible 59.53 seconds in the 100m S9 final, breaking her previous record of 59.60 seconds set earlier in the heats.
Reflecting on her achievement, the 23-year-old Paralympian told Paralympics Australia, “I just wanted to break the world record—and I did. This morning was great, but tonight was my show.”
What makes her victory even more remarkable is Leary’s extraordinary journey of recovery. Three years ago, she was involved in a devastating cycling accident while training for a triathlon. Traveling at 70 kilometers per hour (43.5 mph), she suffered severe brain injuries, multiple fractures, and blood clots. After nine brain surgeries and more than 100 days in the hospital, Leary had to relearn how to walk and talk.
In an interview with CNN affiliate Nine News, Leary shared a personal story: “When I was in the ICU, my dad consulted a fortune teller, paying her a large sum to find out if I would survive the operations. They never told me at the time, but after I recovered, I decided I wanted to swim, and my parents were amazed—it was exactly what the fortune teller had predicted.”
Despite the odds, Leary’s resilience and determination led her to represent Australia at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships, just two years after her life-threatening accident. “It’s a miracle that I’m living, walking, and talking,” she said. “Three years ago, I was told none of this would be possible, but here I am.”
Her mother, Belinda, also praised her daughter’s courage and unwavering spirit. “She’s the same girl, but everything’s heightened. All she wanted was to show people that anything is possible,” she said.
Leary’s inspiring story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit, proving that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, success is within reach.
