"Para-sport saved our lives"
Watch the remarkable story of Alexa Leary's triumph over adversity.
Swimming Sensation Alexa Leary Launches Paralympics Australia’s Fundraising Appeal
It’s also the day the Leary family invites Australia to join them in supporting the movement that changed Alexa’s life – and that of so many others - through the power of sport.
These range from creating initial sport participation opportunities for people with disability and access to all-important classification, to coaching, training and development, and onwards to the financial and practical support elite Para-athletes need to get to the Paralympic Games and represent Australia.
“Paralympics Australia has been amazing,” Belinda Leary said.
“It’s given Lex a purpose in life and made Lex believe she can achieve all her dreams of being a Paralympian. The support has been phenomenal.
“It’s very overwhelming at times to think our child is like a little celebrity. But the nicest thing about Lex is she takes it all in her stride. The whole family are backing her and supporting her - and the whole nation has really helped her along the way more than what anybody would understand.
“Over the last four years, watching her with all her battles and challenges along the way, to be where she is today, with the medals under her belt, it’s very inspiring, very impressive and I’m super proud of her.
“We just want to right behind Lex in swimming, as Paralympics Australia is, and we just want to see her reach the next goals that she’s got.”
Leary won gold at Paris 2024 in the 100 metres freestyle S9 in world record time and anchored the mixed 4x100 metres medley relay 34pts team to a remarkable win. Just three years earlier, as a budding triathlete, she had been involved in a near-fatal high-speed cycling accident. After months in Royal Brisbane Hospital, she returned to swimming and was picked in the Para-Development Squad, the start of a stirring rise up the ranks.
“Para-swimming has completely changed my life, not only as an athlete, but as a person,” Alexa said.
“It has given me a sense of purpose and confidence. I’ve built resilience by pushing through challenges, both in and out of the water. It’s shown me that no challenge is too big to overcome.
“Paralympics Australia has been right behind me on my swimming journey, providing support to compete at a high level and connect with other Para-athletes, who inspire and push me to improve every day.”
Alexa said she felt so proud of herself for “getting the job done” in Paris.
“It really just shows how far I’ve actually come since my accident almost four years ago now. It was one of the greatest achievements in my life. It’s been a dream come true and I want to make sure the next generation of Paralympians can follow their dreams as well.”
Russ Leary still marvels at the role Para-sport has played in his daughter’s transformation and the impact it has had on so many other athletes, families and the nation more broadly.
“I’m so proud of Alexa. She’s always dreamed of representing Australia at sport, but after her cycling accident back in 2021, it seemed like it was never going to happen for her,” he said.
“Alexa spent more than 111 days in hospital and 3 months in rehab, fighting for her life. It was heartbreaking to see that accident take away her dreams.
“There were times I thought she was going to die. I’d accepted that she’d likely be in a wheelchair the rest of her life. But thanks to Para-swimming, within three years of her accident, she was standing on the podium at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games with a gold medal around her neck.
“That’s the power of Para-sport.”
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FAQs
Is Paralympics Australia an ACNC Registered Charity?
Yes. Paralympics Australia is an ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission) Registered Charity and complies with all ACNC regulations. To find out more, please visit the ACNC website.
Where does my donation go?
Your support will give the 20% of Australians with a disability a platform to shine through sports and community programs. It will:
- Change perception – create a more inclusive Australia by normalising disability.
- Educate – through our curriculum-based schools program, educate and inspire Australian school children.
- Innovate – develop better, more innovative equipment so that all participants in Para-sport have every chance to join in and do their best.
- Identify – Identify and develop the next generation of Para-athletes so that they can excel on the world stage.
Can I give a monthly donation?
Yes, regular monthly donations assist Paralympics Australia to provide a platform for the 20% of Australians with a disability to shine through sports and community programs. Donations can be set-up through our website or by contacting our Fundraising team via email.
Will I get a receipt?
Yes, donations over $2 are tax deductible for Australian residents. If you make a one-off donation via our website, a receipt will be emailed to you immediately. If you generously sign up to donate monthly, your receipt will be sent at the end of the financial year.
Who can I contact with a question about donations?
Please call our Fundraising team on +61 2 9704 0500, or via email [email protected]
Paralympics Australia Ltd. is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Eligible tax-deductible donations have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Tax Office.
