Imagine training as an elite triathlete, then waking up from a bike crash unable to walk or talk. That’s the reality Alexa Leary faced at 19 when a 70 km/h accident left her with a traumatic brain injury. Just three years later, she’d break a world record in the Paralympic pool. This is how a catastrophic crash redefined her career—and her identity.
Born: 18 August 2001 · Disability: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) · Paralympic Medals: 2 Gold, 1 Silver · Event: 100m Freestyle (World Record Holder) · Former Career: Professional Triathlete
Quick snapshot
- Full name: Alexa ‘Lex’ Leary OAM
- Born: 18 August 2001 (age 24)
- Professional: triathlete (pre-accident)
- Now: Paralympic swimmer, singer-songwriter
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) (Australian Paralympic Committee)
- Result of cycling accident at age 19 (Australian Paralympic Committee)
- Affects motor control and speech but not cognitive function (Australian Paralympic Committee)
- 2 Gold medals at 2024 Paris Paralympics (Australian Paralympic Committee)
- 1 Silver medal (Australian Paralympic Committee)
- World record in 100m freestyle S9 (Australian Paralympic Committee)
- Booked as motivational speaker via Saxton
- Active on Instagram (@alexa_leary)
- Advocates for brain injury awareness
What disability does Alexa Leary have?
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) explained
Alexa Leary’s impairment is classified as physical impairment due to acquired brain injury (Australian Paralympic Committee). The injury resulted from a cycling accident in 2021 during a training ride. Her front wheel clipped the bike ahead, causing her to fall and land on her head at approximately 70 km/h (Swimming Australia).
The brain injury left Leary with permanent weakness on her right side, but her cognitive function remained intact.
How the bike crash caused her disability
The accident occurred during a training ride when her front wheel clipped another rider’s bike, sending her over the handlebars. She landed on her head at speed, resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury. The impact caused significant damage to the brain, requiring extensive rehabilitation to relearn basic functions such as walking and talking.
While Leary’s injury is permanent, her classification as an S9 swimmer depends on periodic re-evaluation.
How old is Alexa Leary and where is she now?
Alexa Leary was born on 18 August 2001 (Australian Paralympic Committee), making her 24 years old as of 2025. She currently lives and trains in Port Douglas, Australia, where she prepares for international competitions. At the 2024 Paris Paralympics, she won gold in the women’s 100m freestyle S9 in world record time (Australian Paralympic Committee). She also uses her Instagram platform (@alexa_leary) to document training and advocate for brain injury awareness.
Alexa Leary’s story: from triathlete to Paralympic champion
Alexa Leary was training to be a triathlete when she had a bad bike accident. She hurt her brain and had to learn to walk and talk again. Instead of giving up, she started swimming, and just a few years later she won two gold medals at the Paralympics. She is a world record holder in the 100m freestyle.
Leary was excluded from the 2026 Commonwealth Games after a reclassification review. For families following her career, this means her Paralympic classification can change, but her World Para Swimming status remains active.
Timeline: key moments in Alexa Leary’s career
- 18 August 2001 – Born in Australia.
- 2021 – Cycling accident causes traumatic brain injury at age 19.
- 2023 – Wins gold at World Para Swimming Championships in 100m freestyle S9.
- 2024 – Wins two gold (100m freestyle, mixed medley relay) and one silver at Paris Paralympics. Breaks world record in 100m freestyle S9.
The implication: Leary’s timeline shows a compressed arc—from near‑death to world record in under three years—but also highlights how Paralympic classification rules can redirect even the most decorated athletes.
Key facts about Alexa Leary
- Leary’s disability is a traumatic brain injury (Australian Paralympic Committee)
- She was a professional triathlete before the accident
- She holds the world record in the 100m freestyle S9 (Australian Paralympic Committee)
- She won 2 gold and 1 silver at the 2024 Paris Paralympics
Alexa Leary’s legacy and impact
Alexa Leary’s story is one of radical adaptation—from elite triathlete to Paralympic gold medallist with a world record. Her traumatic brain injury didn’t end her athletic career; it transformed it. She now serves as a motivational speaker and advocate for brain injury awareness, showing that identity can be redefined even after catastrophic change.
Related reading: Mollie O’Callaghan: Height, Age, Nationality & Olympic Career · Rishabh Pant: Age, Net Worth, Injury, and Personal Life
en.wikipedia.org, brainlink.org.au, cnn.com, bond.edu.au, brainlink.org.au, sunshinecoastnews.com.au, zh.wikipedia.org, theguardian.com, paralympic.org, zh.wikipedia.org
Frequently asked questions about Alexa Leary
Does Alexa Leary have a brain injury?
Yes. She suffers from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from a cycling accident in 2021 (Australian Paralympic Committee).
Can Alexa Leary walk?
Yes, she can walk. The brain injury left her with permanent weakness on her right side, but she has regained the ability to walk through rehabilitation.
How did Alexa Leary become disabled?
A cycling crash in 2021 where her front wheel clipped another rider, causing her to fall onto her head at about 70 km/h, resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
How many Paralympic medals has Alexa Leary won?
She has won 2 gold and 1 silver, all at the 2024 Paris Paralympics (Australian Paralympic Committee).
What is Alexa Leary’s world record?
She holds the world record in the women’s 100m freestyle S9, which she set at the 2024 Paris Paralympics with a time of 59.60 seconds.
Is Alexa Leary married?
No, she is not publicly known to be married.
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Insightly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.