On 20 June 2025, Government House Queensland hosted a moving investiture ceremony recognising one of the state’s most inspiring young athletes, Alexa Leary OAM. Surrounded by family, friends, supporters and representatives of the Order of Australia Association, Alexa received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to sport as a gold medallist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Her Excellency reflected on Alexa’s extraordinary achievements in Paris, where she won two gold medals and a silver, and twice broke the women’s 100m freestyle S9 world record. Her spontaneous dance on the La Défense Arena podium became one of the most memorable moments of the Games, capturing the joy and disbelief of a young woman who had achieved what many once thought impossible.

The ceremony also acknowledged the deep pride felt by Alexa’s parents, Russell and Belinda, her siblings Ashtyn, Madison, Max and Jack, her extended family, and her coach Jon Bell. Their support has been central to a journey that very nearly ended in tragedy.

In July 2021, Alexa suffered a catastrophic training accident that left her with a severe brain injury. Doctors were unsure whether she would survive, let alone walk or talk again. Yet Alexa’s determination never faltered. With the help of exceptional medical teams and her own fierce competitive spirit, she fought her way back—walking out of hospital 111 days later, unassisted and ready to rebuild her life.

Just two years after her accident, she claimed gold and silver at the World Para Swimming Championships in Manchester, proving what courage, grit and belief can achieve. Her success since then has only grown. In 2025, she broke world records at the Sydney Open & UniSport Nationals and the Australian Open Championships in Brisbane, and delivered standout performances at the Australian Swimming Trials in Adelaide. She now looks ahead to the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore and the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Alexa’s influence extends beyond the pool. She has been named Para-athlete of the Year at the Queensland Sport Awards and Rookie of the Year at the Paralympian of the Year Awards, and she uses her growing public profile to support causes close to her heart.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Australian Honours system, a tradition that celebrates the contributions Australians make to the nation’s vibrancy and cohesion. Alexa’s investiture stands as a powerful symbol of that spirit. Her Excellency described her as an athlete who represents Queensland and Australia with pride, and whose bravery and determination continue to inspire people across the country.