The Paralympics have arrived once more, with the world's top disabled athletes competing for glory.
As usual, the Australian Paralympic team will send an incredibly strong pool contingent, looking to rake in the medals in the aquatic events.
One name that fans will be eager to watch is Alexa Leary – the former triathlete turned S9 swimmer gunning for gold in Paris.
MORE: Every Australian athlete qualified for 2024 Paris Olympics
Who is Alexa Leary?
Alexa Leary is an S9 swimmer, competing for Australia at the 2024 Paralympics.
The 22-year-old was a former high-level triathlete, claiming silver at the Under 18–19 World Triathlon Grand Final in 2019, before a horror training incident in 2021 left her with significant brain damage.
The accident, which saw her crash from her bike going 70 km/h, saw her spend over six months in hospital, including a two-week coma, and undergo lifesaving surgery.
Having already become an elite swimmer as part of her triathlon training, Leary made the full-time pivot to the pool, and in 2023 she claimed gold in the S9 100m freestyle at the World Para Swimming Championships, as well as silver in the S9 50m freestyle.
She is now headed to the Paris Paralympics, after qualifying during the 2024 Australian Swimming Trials.
Which events is Alexa Leary competing in at the 2024 Paralympics?
Alexa Leary has qualified for the 2024 Paralympics, set to compete in both the S9 50m and 100m freestyle events.
She swam a time of 27.89 seconds in the 50m, beating the qualifying mark of 28.27 seconds, and obliterated the 100m qualifying time by 4.77 seconds, swimming a 1:00.38.
How old is Alexa Leary?
Alexa Leary is 24 years old, born on August 18, 2000.
She is based on the Gold Coast, coached by St. Hilda's Jon Bell.
