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Sink or Swim
Meet the real Alexa Leary. You've seen the bubbly blonde dancing on the podium at the 2024 Paris Paralympics; you've followed her @moveforlex Instagram account; and marvelled at her world records in the pool. Now, hear her story.
This is a story in two parts, because Lex has lived two lives. There is the Lex from before her catastrophic cycling accident in 2021, when she was an ambitious triathlete with a bright future ahead. And there is the Lex after the accident, when a severe traumatic brain injury threatened her life and changed the course of her future forever.
Before Lex became the Golden Girl of Para Swimming, she spent 111 days in hospital and rehab, learning to walk and talk again, and getting to know her new brain. It's an ongoing process that continues today. Life with a TBI is full of challenges, big emotions and a lack of understanding. Under the weight of her trauma, Lex could have easily sunk - and there were times when she did - but ultimately, she chose to swim.
This is the untold story of Alexa Leary and her family. It is at-times confronting, heavy and dark; while also being inspiring, captivating and cheeky. Above all else, it is courageously vulnerable and searingly honest. As you would expect, from the one and only Lex Leary.
This is a story in two parts, because Lex has lived two lives. There is the Lex from before her catastrophic cycling accident in 2021, when she was an ambitious triathlete with a bright future ahead. And there is the Lex after the accident, when a severe traumatic brain injury threatened her life and changed the course of her future forever.
Before Lex became the Golden Girl of Para Swimming, she spent 111 days in hospital and rehab, learning to walk and talk again, and getting to know her new brain. It's an ongoing process that continues today. Life with a TBI is full of challenges, big emotions and a lack of understanding. Under the weight of her trauma, Lex could have easily sunk - and there were times when she did - but ultimately, she chose to swim.
This is the untold story of Alexa Leary and her family. It is at-times confronting, heavy and dark; while also being inspiring, captivating and cheeky. Above all else, it is courageously vulnerable and searingly honest. As you would expect, from the one and only Lex Leary.
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Published April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 21, 2026
such an amazing story of resilience and determination! i knew a little bit about lex’s story from the news and her move for lex foundation, but this book goes so deep into her story and is such a vulnerable and honest book. lex has been through so much and is absolutely a miracle. truly an amazing and inspiring story that is definitely worth taking the time to read. a great reminder to move for those who can’t and to be kind always! 5 stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 from me
July 31, 2026
Amazing insight into Alexa and her family. It’s so easy to judge someone from afar (from what you see on tv) and to think they looked like the picture perfect family even after her accident. I love their honesty and vulnerability which truly shines a light into the absolute tragedy of the accident, and the years they had to endure afterwards
May 3, 2026
Really enjoyed this I think everyone is familiar with the story of lex but reading more about the impacts of her TBI was really interesting and the parts you don’t see on social media. Was holding back tears. Also really enjoyed how this is written from multiple peoples perspectives. Inspiring 👏🏻
May 5, 2026
Very inspirational & was so interesting to read all about the whole journey rather than just seeing the bubbly bits,
How much heartache and grief they all had to go through, each in their own way.
A real credit to the Leary’s and their entire village of support
How much heartache and grief they all had to go through, each in their own way.
A real credit to the Leary’s and their entire village of support
May 6, 2026
I’ve followed Alexa’s story from the start online, this book opened my eyes about the reality of TBI’s. Really incredible story.
July 25, 2026
This is a difficult book to review because it’s such a deeply personal memoir, and it’s impossible to critically assess someone else’s lived experience. Alexa’s resilience and determination following her traumatic brain injury are undeniable, and there are moments throughout the book that are genuinely inspiring.
That said, I found myself wondering whether many of the behavioural challenges described were already present before the accident, rather than being solely a consequence of the brain injury. The story raises interesting questions about how often people struggle for years without the right support until a major life event forces systems, families, and professionals to respond.
While I admired Alexa’s perseverance and appreciated the insight into her rehabilitation journey, for me, it was an interesting memoir that prompted reflection more than it did emotional connection.
April 25, 2026
what an inspiring story. keep the tissues close
What a story. Not just after her accident, but even before, Alexa was an inspiring young lady.
Loved seeing how honest the family is, on the ups and downs of life for a family who are also going through the struggles with supporting someone with a TBI. And of course Alexa facing some extreme challenges, mental and physical.
I look forward to seeing what Alexa Leary can accomplish with her sport and life.
What a story. Not just after her accident, but even before, Alexa was an inspiring young lady.
Loved seeing how honest the family is, on the ups and downs of life for a family who are also going through the struggles with supporting someone with a TBI. And of course Alexa facing some extreme challenges, mental and physical.
I look forward to seeing what Alexa Leary can accomplish with her sport and life.
July 15, 2026
Wow, what an inspirational story. I remember hearing about Alexa and her accident on Instagram. Everyone started sharing their Move For Lex stories.
What a fighter Alexa is. She has faced so many challenges in her life. I’ve learnt so much more about TBI’s from this book.
Everyone needs to read this book, it’s so inspiring. To see Alexa win gold…what a moment.
⭐️I give this book 5 stars ⭐️
What a fighter Alexa is. She has faced so many challenges in her life. I’ve learnt so much more about TBI’s from this book.
Everyone needs to read this book, it’s so inspiring. To see Alexa win gold…what a moment.
⭐️I give this book 5 stars ⭐️
June 8, 2026
Wow what a truely honest account from all the family on their journey forward to where they are today. I got the pleasure of meeting Alexa at my work and personally signed my book for me. Anyone wanting to learn more on Traumatic Brain Injuries or help someone going through this give this book a read you are not alone in the fight .
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April 22, 2026So inspiring! Highly recommend ❤️
May 9, 2026
Inspiring and in awe of Alexa and her family’s perseverance and vulnerability.
June 2, 2026
Absolutely incredible story and it was written so well, loved it so much!
June 9, 2026
Followed Lex’s story from the beginning, such a beautiful family and memoir
July 25, 2026
Listened on audio was amazing what she and her family have been through. Very inspiring
June 16, 2026
⭐️5/5⭐️
Alexa (Lex) Leary has been to hell and back, and Sink or Swim is her powerful story of determination, courage and resilience in the face of impossible odds. After a life-threatening cycling accident left her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), Lex’s life was forever changed. Told through the perspectives of Lex, her family, friends and coaches, Sink or Swim provides insight into life as both a triathlete and TBI survivor, and how Lex became Australia’s golden girl of the Paralympics.
This memoir is raw and honest, diving deep into the nitty-gritty realities of living with a TBI and the impact it has on Lex’s daily life. It recounts Lex’s accident and her time in hospital and rehabilitation facilities in graphic detail. While it was often difficult to read, as someone who has spent time caring for a loved one in the ICU, parts felt almost too real to continue. At the same time, it powerfully conveyed the reality of survival from a carer’s perspective as well.
Something I loved about this book was how much Lex and her family were willing to share. They experienced immense trauma, grief and heartbreak, but despite everything, they always searched for a glimmer of hope. I especially appreciated their honesty in discussing the more confronting aspects of recovery, including Lex’s dangerous behaviours such as physical aggression and self-harm.
This is not an easy read, but it is absolutely worth it. I hope it inspires people to move for those who can’t and helps reduce the stigma surrounding TBI.
Alexa (Lex) Leary has been to hell and back, and Sink or Swim is her powerful story of determination, courage and resilience in the face of impossible odds. After a life-threatening cycling accident left her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), Lex’s life was forever changed. Told through the perspectives of Lex, her family, friends and coaches, Sink or Swim provides insight into life as both a triathlete and TBI survivor, and how Lex became Australia’s golden girl of the Paralympics.
This memoir is raw and honest, diving deep into the nitty-gritty realities of living with a TBI and the impact it has on Lex’s daily life. It recounts Lex’s accident and her time in hospital and rehabilitation facilities in graphic detail. While it was often difficult to read, as someone who has spent time caring for a loved one in the ICU, parts felt almost too real to continue. At the same time, it powerfully conveyed the reality of survival from a carer’s perspective as well.
Something I loved about this book was how much Lex and her family were willing to share. They experienced immense trauma, grief and heartbreak, but despite everything, they always searched for a glimmer of hope. I especially appreciated their honesty in discussing the more confronting aspects of recovery, including Lex’s dangerous behaviours such as physical aggression and self-harm.
This is not an easy read, but it is absolutely worth it. I hope it inspires people to move for those who can’t and helps reduce the stigma surrounding TBI.
July 21, 2026
Absolutely loved the insight this showed to how TBI’s effect people in every aspect of their lives. Really loved how vulnerable the family has been in their writing and giving perspective to how Alexa is not the only person affected by a TBI
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews