“They All Thought I Was Gonna Pass Away”: Years After a Near Fatal Crash 21-Year-Old Redefines the Swimming Landscape

Some champions reach pinnacles through their unwavering passion, others redefine the ordinary by defying the odds. Australian triathlon athlete also rose to the occasion through her passion for her beloved arena all while defying the disability and her body and willpower and fought hard and came back stronger than ever. While she is no longer a triathlon athlete, she has found her calling in the world of swimming.

Alexa Leary just registered her name as the latest rising star in the world of para swimming. The 21-year-old had suffered a brutal crash while riding her bicycle two years ago. The accident almost killed her, but Leary survived. Leaving her severe head injuries behind, she has come back from the clutches of death and claimed the gold medal at the World Para Swimming Championships held in Manchester.

The rebirth of a para swimming star

Alexa Leary met with an unfortunate accident back in 2021. She met with a gruesome accident while she was on her bicycle. She was immediately rushed to a hospital in Brisbane, United Kingdom. However, she had sustained several concussions, and the doctors were not confident that she could survive. The para swimming world champion recalls that the doctors had told her parents to prepare themselves to mourn the loss of their daughter.

“Everyone said goodbye to me. They all thought I was going to pass away. That’s why they call me a miracle,” said the new para swimming world champion in an interview with Nine. Leary clearly recalled that the doctors had also said she would be unable to walk or talk if she survived. However, she didn’t just come out of the operation theater alive; she came back stronger. Alexa Leary spoke about her thoughts and feelings after her magnificent victory to the media.

Alexa Leary on becoming a world champion

“I’ve come so far,” Leary began, “It’s a big thing for me that I’ve pushed through and done even better than what I was two years ago.” Competing in the women’s 100 meters freestyle S9 category, Leary finished the race in just 1:00.24 minutes. The time she posted is just 0.04 seconds short of the championship record of New Zealand’s para swimming icon, Sophie Pascoe. 

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Alexa’s victory came in on the fourth day of the World Para Swimming Championship held in Manchester. The world champion has recorded the journey of her recovery on her Instagram handle. She expressed her gratitude towards everyone who supported her throughout her journey, especially her mom and dad. The Aussie now has her crosshairs set on the upcoming 2024 Paris Paralympics.

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