Versuchen GOLD - Frei

Leary claims gold, just as a fortune teller predicted

The Straits Times

|

September 06, 2024

Three years after surviving a horrific bike accident, Australian Paralympic swimmer Alexa Leary claimed her second gold medal in a world-record time in Paris on Sept 4.

Leary claims gold, just as a fortune teller predicted

Leary's 59.53 seconds in the 100m freestyle final broke her own mark in the heats of the S9 category, which includes swimmers with severe weakness in one leg.

The bubbly 23-year-old from the Sunshine Coast was in a coma in hospital in 2021 after suffering permanent brain and leg injuries in a high-speed bike crash that left her with a punctured lung and multiple broken bones.

Her parents, warned several times by doctors that their daughter might not survive, turned to a clairvoyant.

"When I was in ICU (intensive care unit), my dad got a fortune teller and the fortune teller read that I wanted to go to the Paralympics. And I'm here," she said. "Oh my God. I did it."

Leary's positive attitude and triumph over adversity has inspired Australia, giving her a profile to rival the country's able-bodied Olympic champion swimmers, Ariarne Titmus and Kaylee McKeown.

WEITERE GESCHICHTEN VON The Straits Times

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

AMORIM PROUD OF STICKING TO BELIEFS

Red Devils boss 'learns a lot' during rough ride as EPL side begin to turn corner at last

time to read

3 mins

November 01, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

A school team gave back a trophy.Here's why it matters

These are kids who understand integrity and a coach who remembers winning isn't quite everything. In the old days, we called this character.

time to read

3 mins

November 01, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

How Singapore produce can win over price-conscious consumers

Local producers and retailers must better understand consumers' psyche.

time to read

4 mins

November 01, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

SEA Games medallist jailed for drink driving, crashing into car

SEA Games squash gold medallist Vivian Rhamanan has been sentenced to two weeks' jail, after an incident where he had been drink driving and his vehicle collided with a car travelling on the opposite lane of a road in Sembawang.

time to read

2 mins

November 01, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

Smart packs #5 with space, comfort and efficiency

Biggest model from Chinese-German brand offers longest range among cars of its size and performance

time to read

3 mins

November 01, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

9 in 10 young women not taking active steps to protect breast health: Poll

Ms Jamie Ng was flourishing in her career in the fashion industry, with a degree under her belt and a stable job, when she found out three years ago that she had breast cancer.

time to read

3 mins

November 01, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

The battle for New York

A fight is brewing between Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani.

time to read

4 mins

November 01, 2025

The Straits Times

The Straits Times

JOURNALISM READY TO MAKE WORLD HEADLINES

Nov 1 Breeders' Cup Classic form analysis

time to read

1 mins

November 01, 2025

The Straits Times

Does the Singapore River need to change course to remain relevant?

Older generations value its role in the nation’s history and remember the area’s heyday as a nightlife hub. How can it better appeal to a younger crowd who may be going out less?

time to read

5 mins

November 01, 2025

The Straits Times

Grace Fu named among Time's 100 most influential climate leaders

Minister recognised for her efforts along with others including Pope Leo XIV

time to read

2 mins

November 01, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size