The emotional toll of Alexa Leary's traumatic brain injury

The emotional toll of Alexa Leary's traumatic brain injury

From ABC SPORT Daily by ABC Australia

April 16, 2026 · 15 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the emotional challenges faced by Paralympian Alexa Leary following her traumatic brain injury and her journey towards recovery as detailed in her book.

You might have seen Paralympian Alexa Leary winning gold medals, dancing on the pool deck and giving the most bubbly and joyous interviews. But the reality for Leary is that after her traumatic brain injury from a cycling accident 5 years ago, life is often far from fun. In her new book 'Sink or Swim' she talks mood swings, turning anger into peak performance and the song that will always remind her of Paralympic glory. Featured: Alexa Leary. To catch up on everything that’s making sports headlines recently, listen to more episodes of ABC Sport Daily,’ hosted by Patrick Stack on ABC listen or wherever you get your podcasts, and get in touch with them on social media via @abc_sport. In the episodes we will cover big sporting personalities and all sports, including cricket, soccer, F1, NBA, AFL, AFLW to NRLW & NRL news, to covering competitions like the Olympics, the World Cup, The Ashes, Grand Prix and Grand Finals and more.

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Stack

Guest: Alexa Leary

Topics covered

  • traumatic brain injury
  • Paralympics
  • mental health
  • athlete experience
  • sports psychology

Keywords

  • Alexa Leary
  • traumatic brain injury
  • Paralympics
  • mental health
  • athlete
  • sports
  • mood swings
  • performance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Australia

Books & works: Sink or Swim

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