Alexa Leary’s doting father Russ has attracted almost as much attention as his gold-medal winning daughter.
But the Australian swimmer’s dad believes coach Jon Bell is the real reason for his daughter’s stunning campaign given how he has helped Leary handle the emotional rollercoaster of Paralympic sport.
The swimmer’s back story – Leary was left with brain damage following a near-fatal bike crash three years ago – and her two gold medals at Paris have captured a nation.
With each medal his daughter has won, Russ has fought back tears of pride recalling Alexa’s rise to the top of her sport when he and wife Belinda feared she would not survive.
Russ was the first person on the scene after Alexa’s accident, rarely leaving her bed side as she fought her way back to become a star in the pool.
But Russ said Bell’s emotional empathy through Alexa’s training was the reason for her stunning form.
Alexa can be bubbly and enthusiastic but the trauma caused by her accident left her experiencing varied mood swings.
“Jon needs a medal, he’s the horse whisperer of Alexa, he truly is,” Russ said.
“I’ve seen her go off her head, throw her swim bag at him, punch at him.
“He comes back, gets over it and he has belief in her … everyone (else) walked away from her because they couldn’t understand the brain damage, she was aggressive.”
Russ added he had been inundated with messages of support from other fathers who had seen him struggle to keep a lid on his emotions.
“I’ve always been emotional, but since the accident anything that triggers you with the pain you cry,” Russ said.
“The nation liked it, it made men cry, so many men ring me and say ‘I’ve never cried in my life but I cried at your interview’.”
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Alexa, fresh off winning gold in the 100m relay and setting a new world record in the 100m freestyle (S9), has one final race at the Games.
Alexa will aim to add a third gold when she competes in the 34 point 4x100m freestyle relay on Saturday, and has ambitions to make medal winning a regular habit.
“I’m living my second life now and I’m loving it,” Leary said.
“I don’t remember much of my old life, but I just think it’s amazing what I’m doing.
“I’m a pusher and you want to go and get it… I’m going to keep going.
“Brisbane? I’ll see you there (in 2032), anything to do with swimming, I’m going to go out there and get it.”
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