Alexa Leary’s Journey: From Near-Death to Paralympic Glory and TBI Advocacy

On July 17, 2021, Alexa Leary’s life split into two distinct chapters: the one before her cycling accident and the one after. At 19, the rising triathlete suffered a catastrophic traumatic brain injury (TBI) that doctors feared would finish her life. Five years later, Leary has not only defied those odds but has become a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, a bestselling author, and a vocal advocate for TBI awareness. Her story, chronicled in her memoir Sink or Swim, is a raw and unflinching account of survival, resilience, and the complexities of living with a brain injury.

The Accident That Changed Everything

Leary’s accident occurred during a high-speed cycling training session. While descending a hill at approximately 70 km/h, she clipped the wheel of another rider, sending her crashing to the ground. The impact was brutal: her helmet flew off, her skull fractured, and her brain swelled dangerously. In the moments that followed, a passing doctor—who happened to be on the same road—rushed to her aid, placing her in a recovery position to prevent suffocation. Without this intervention, Leary likely wouldn’t have survived the wait for emergency services.

Her injuries were severe. She suffered collapsed lungs, blood clots, and a brain so swollen that surgeons were forced to remove part of her skull to relieve the pressure. For months, she lived without that section of her skull, wearing a protective helmet as her brain healed. “My brain blew like crazy… it went out of my skull,” Leary recalled in an interview with Marie Claire. “They had to accept my skull out and put it in the freezer.”

Leary’s parents were told to say goodbye—eight times. Against all expectations, she survived the emergency helicopter transfer to the hospital, where she spent 111 days in intensive care and rehabilitation. The road to recovery was grueling. Initially, she couldn’t walk or talk, and the psychological toll was just as devastating. “I always thought, ‘I want my aged life back,’” she told ABC Sport Daily. “But when I think about it now, no, I don’t. I love who I am now.”

A Second Life: From Triathlete to Paralympic Champion

Before the accident, Leary was a promising triathlete with a bright future in endurance sports. Afterward, she faced an entirely fresh reality—one where her body and mind no longer functioned as they once had. The transition wasn’t just physical; it was existential. “I am living a full second life,” she said. “I have severe traumatic brain injury. It has changed my whole life… it’s really hard living with a TBI.”

Her journey back to competitive sports began in the pool. Swimming became a lifeline, a way to reclaim a sense of purpose and identity. Despite the challenges of her injury—including memory loss, cognitive fatigue, and emotional volatility—Leary found a new calling in para swimming. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, she made her debut on the world stage, winning two gold medals and setting world records in the process. Her performances earned her the nickname “Golden Girl of Para Swimming,” a moniker that belies the struggles she endured to get there.

The Hidden Battles of Traumatic Brain Injury

Leary’s story shines a light on the often-misunderstood realities of living with a TBI. Unlike visible disabilities, brain injuries are invisible, leading to widespread misconceptions. “People just think, ‘oh, she fell off her bike,’ that’s it,” Leary said. “But it’s like, no, I am living a full second life. I have severe traumatic brain injury.”

In Australia, 1 in 45 people live with an acquired brain injury, which includes TBIs. The effects can be wide-ranging and unpredictable, from memory loss and difficulty concentrating to mood swings and sensory overload. For Leary, one of the most challenging aspects of her recovery was accepting that she would never be the same person she was before the accident. “It’s an ongoing process that continues today,” she wrote in Sink or Swim. “Life with a TBI is full of challenges, big emotions, and a lack of understanding.”

Her memoir delves into these struggles with unflinching honesty. She describes the frustration of relearning basic skills, the grief of losing her former identity, and the small victories that kept her going. “There were times when I did sink,” she admitted. “But I chose to swim.”

Advocacy: A Call for TBI Awareness

Leary’s platform has given her a unique opportunity to advocate for greater awareness and support for TBI survivors. She is now campaigning for a dedicated Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Day in Australia, arguing that the current Brain Injury Awareness Month (held in March) doesn’t sufficiently address the specific challenges of TBI.

“March is brain injury awareness month, but there is currently no specific day dedicated to TBI,” she told ABC Sport. “I want July 17—the day my second life began—to be that day. It’s about fueling understanding of the unique challenges that reach with a TBI.”

Her advocacy extends beyond awareness. Leary has been open about the financial and emotional burdens of living with a TBI, including the cost of ongoing rehabilitation and the lack of societal support for invisible disabilities. Through her @moveforlex Instagram account and the MoveForLex campaign, she has inspired thousands to “move for those who can’t,” raising funds and awareness for brain injury research and support services.

Key Takeaways from Alexa Leary’s Story

• The Reality of TBI: Traumatic brain injuries are often invisible but can have life-altering consequences, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, and emotional challenges.
• Resilience in Recovery: Leary’s journey from near-death to Paralympic glory demonstrates the power of perseverance, but also the ongoing nature of living with a TBI.
• The Need for Awareness: Misconceptions about TBI persist, and Leary is advocating for a dedicated awareness day to educate the public and support survivors.
• The Power of Sport: Swimming became a therapeutic and competitive outlet for Leary, helping her rebuild her confidence and identity after her injury.
• Advocacy Through Storytelling: By sharing her story in Sink or Swim, Leary is challenging stereotypes and giving a voice to TBI survivors worldwide.

What’s Next for Alexa Leary?

As Leary continues to compete at the highest level of para swimming, her focus is shifting toward her advocacy work. She hopes to use her platform to push for policy changes that improve support for TBI survivors, including better access to rehabilitation services and mental health resources. “I’m not just a girl who fell off a bike,” she said. “There’s a whole lot more than that. I want people to understand what it’s really like to live with a TBI.”

Her memoir, Sink or Swim, is more than a sports story—it’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to adapt, endure, and thrive. For Leary, the choice was simple: sink or swim. She chose to swim, and in doing so, she’s inspiring countless others to do the same.

FAQs About Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

What is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of acquired brain injury caused by a sudden trauma to the head, such as a blow, bump, or jolt. TBIs can range from mild (e.g., a concussion) to severe, with long-term or permanent effects on cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning.

What are the common symptoms of a TBI?

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury but can include:

• Memory loss or confusion
• Headaches or dizziness
• Mood swings or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating or processing information
• Sensory sensitivities (e.g., to light or sound)
• Fatigue or sleep disturbances

How many people live with a TBI?

In Australia, 1 in 45 people live with an acquired brain injury, which includes TBIs. Globally, TBIs are a leading cause of disability and death, particularly among young adults and athletes.

What is the recovery process like for a TBI?

Recovery from a TBI is highly individualized and can take months or even years. It often involves a combination of physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychological support. Some survivors, like Alexa Leary, are able to return to competitive sports or other activities, while others may face long-term challenges.

How can I support TBI awareness?

You can support TBI awareness by:

• Educating yourself and others about the realities of living with a TBI.
• Advocating for better funding and resources for TBI research and support services.
• Participating in awareness campaigns, such as MoveForLex, which encourages physical activity to support TBI survivors.
• Donating to organizations that provide resources and advocacy for brain injury survivors, such as Brain Injury Australia.