Australia’s 63 medals at the Paralympics only tell part of the story of Paris 2024. The journey of two swimmers in particular is beginning to inspire the next generation for Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.
Alexa Leary’s journey to Paralympic glory is one for the ages. A former triathlete, Leary, now 22, suffered a life-changing cycling accident whilst training back in July 2021. Her accident resulted in a severe head injury as well as blood clots and broken bones, and her initial prognosis was bleak. Leary, however, defied the odds as she relearned to walk and talk over 111 days of hospitalization. Leary then began to take up swimming as a form of rehabilitation once she was released from the hospital. After winning medals at the World Para Swimming Championships two years after her accident, Leary made her way to the Paris 2024 Paralympics for her Paralympic debut, where she broke her world record twice in one day. Overall, Leary won two gold medals and one silver medal at the Games. Looking back on her achievement, she spoke of her long, difficult journey: “I've just come so far, and I’m so impressed in myself. I’m like, ‘Lex, look how far you’ve actually come!’” Alexa Leary’s story of persistence and determination is one that has resonated with so many across Australia and will continue to inspire countless individuals in her promising future.
The story of Tim Hodge becoming a three-time Paralympic champion is one of great determination. Hodge was born without a fibula bone in his right leg, and each specialist his parents consulted with decided that an amputation was the best way forward. He explains in an episode of the New South Wales Institute of Sport’s Lights Up documentary that an amputation “would allow me to get a prosthesis that would fit my leg because… my right ankle might become more unstable and I might not be able to walk on it, and it wouldn’t be as long as my left leg.” Hodge, who also has a hand difference, goes on to reveal that shortly after his amputation, he told his parents that he felt he would never be good at anything because he no longer had his lower right leg. His mother promised him that she and his father would do everything in their power to find a sport that he enjoyed and was good at. With many years of training and dedication under his belt, Hodge made his way to the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Games at just 15 years old. Timothy Hodge is now a three-time Paralympic champion who has won two gold and three silver medals and is a shining example of perseverance and triumphing over adversity. "It makes it all feel worthwhile and like a legacy I can pass on,” he says, looking back on his rewarding journey that has already made such an impact for our nation.
Both Tim Hodge and Alexa Leary along with Emily Beecroft and Jesse Aungles made sporting history in the mixed 4x100 medley relay, as they will forever be the very first team in a Paralympic Games to win gold in the inaugural event. These incredible accomplishments of these Paralympic champions will forever be incrusted in Australia’s sporting glory and will serve as inspiration for many future generations. The immeasurable efforts of all Australian Paralympians in every event have left such a memorable and influential legacy for many generations to come.
Written by Adele, Year 10.