A talented athlete who spent two weeks in a coma because of a harrowing cycling accident has her sights on next year’s Paris Games, after scooping two major awards.
Noosa’s Alexa Leary was crowned Emerging Athlete of the Year at the AIS Sport Performance Awards in Melbourne last week.
She was also recognised as the AIS Discovery of the Year at the recent Swimming Australia awards, following her remarkable victory in the 100m freestyle at the Para World Championships at Manchester in August.
The 22-year-old has had an awe-inspiring journey, overcoming a traumatic cycling accident and a brain trauma injury that derailed her path to Olympic triathlon success.
“It has been a challenging road. I am proud of my achievements,” she said.
“It would not have been possible without my family and amazing support network. I cannot thank them enough.
“Look out, Paris.”
A promising elite athlete, her world changed during a routine training ride on the Sunshine Coast in July 17, 2021, when her front wheel clipped the bike in front at 70km/h.
The accident left her in a coma for two weeks and hospital for 111 days. It was a miracle she survived.
The Leary family, restricted by COVID-19 protocols, rallied around her during those dark days.
From Royal Brisbane Women and Children’s Hospital to the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit at Princess Alexandra Hospital, her path to recovery was arduous but fuelled by an unyielding determination.
Against the odds, she emerged from the shadows, defying the limitations imposed by her brain trauma.
Her journey, marked by intense physical and cognitive therapy, was a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of family, friends and the community.
Securing gold for Australia in the 100m freestyle (S9) at the Para World Championships was a colossal milestone only two years after her accident, and she now has her sights firmly set on Paralympic glory in Paris.
