Paralympic Star Alexa Leary Ruled Out of 2025 Commonwealth Games

Two-time Paralympic gold medallist Alexa Leary will not compete at the 2025 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow following a reclassification by the International Paralympic Committee.

Leary, 24, has been reclassified from S9 to S10, a category reserved for athletes with less severe impairments. The Commonwealth Games program for S10 swimmers includes only the 200m individual medley — an event Leary does not compete in, effectively ruling her out of participation.

A Remarkable Journey of Recovery

Leary's path to sporting greatness has been extraordinary. In 2021, she suffered a traumatic brain injury in a cycling accident that required six months of hospitalization and skull surgery.

She later took up swimming and qualified for the Paris Paralympics, where she earned two gold medals in a stunning athletic comeback.

Australia's 2025 Commonwealth Games Team

Australia has named an 18-strong team for Glasgow, including seven debutants and defending champions Timothy Hodge and Col Pearse.

• Lakeisha Patterson, who will compete in her fourth Commonwealth Games, highlighted the unique opportunity to compete alongside able-bodied athletes, as well as the inclusion of more classifications.
• Mia Hogan, 14, the youngest team member, expressed excitement about racing on a big stage.

Mel Tantrum, Swimming Australia's national head coach of the Paralympic program, said the team is expected to be competitive and may achieve full medal sweeps in some events.