At 19, she was a professional triathlete, training rigorously for future Paris Olympics. However, during a training session, she suffered a severe bike accident, falling off her bike at 70 km/h. Her condition was critical , suffering  major brain damage, broken bones, collapsed lung and traumatic abrasions. She spent nearly 4 months in the hospital unable to remember her own name or recognize her surroundings. Doctors delivered a grim prognosis, telling her family it was likely she wouldn’t survive, and if she did she wouldn’t walk, talk, or lead a normal life. Despite this, Alexa began a long and challenging recovery.

Over the following months, Alexa underwent multiple surgeries and treatments to address the extensive damage to her body and brain. In total she spent 111 days in ICU, Neuro Ward, Brain Rehab, undergoing intensive care, physical rehabilitation, and cognitive therapy to relearn basic motor skills. Afterward, she spent three months at a private outpatient rehabilitation centre. Despite the uncertain prognosis and initial setbacks, Alexa’s determination and the unwavering support of her family helped her make remarkable progress, including regaining her ability to walk and gradually returning to swimming.

The physical and emotional toll of her recovery was immense. Alexa not only faced the physical pain of surgeries and rehabilitation but also struggled with emotional challenges, including rebuilding her confidence and coping with the trauma of nearly losing her life. Yet, through it all, she remained resilient, defying doctors’ expectations. Her return to swimming, initially for rehabilitation, became a crucial part of her recovery. It reignited her passion and gave her a new goal: to become a Paralympian. Alexas journey took her from the hospital bed to the pool, being selected in the Para Swimming Development Squad . She went on from there to win Gold and Silver at the Para World Titles in Manchester in 2023. Then she began training for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, eventually winning her first individual Paralympic gold medal in the women’s S9 100m freestyle, setting a new world record, twice. Her paralympic success didn’t stop here, after an unbelievable final leg comeback, Lex brought home the gold for the mixed 34 point 4 x 100m medley relay, helping break the Paralympic record alongside teammates. She also added a silver medal to her resume in the Mixed 4 x 100m freestyle relay 34 points.