Paralympic champ dives into dance music debut
An Aussie champion has traded the pool for the studio, releasing her debut dance single as she channels her recovery from a near-fatal 2021 accident into a surprising new musical career.
Confidential
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After smashing it in the pool, superstar Paralympian Alexa Leary is taking on the music charts.
The multiple Gold medallist today releases Closer, the debut single she produced that features vocals from XIRA.
“This song is a baddie and full of energy like me,” the 23-year-old said, going by the stage name of Lex Leary.
“My second life is full of opportunity, not letting disability limit me.”
Leary became a national hero when she claimed gold in the 100m freestyle s9 and the mixed 4x100 relay in Paris.
Top Australian DJ Fisher was among the first to congratulate her on her Paralympic triumph, sharing a surprise video message via broadcaster Nine.
Leary had previously stated Fisher to be her favourite artist, who she listened to before competing.
“Alexa, you absolute legend,” Fisher said. “Congrats on breaking that world record. We love ya. You’re such an inspiration.”
Leary then said she would “go even harder” at the next games after breaking out some freestyle dance movies on the finishing podium.
The champion swimmer nearly died in a bicycle accident in 2021 that saw her suffer a traumatic brain injury, blood clots and several broken bones.
“Dance music has been and still is a huge part of my recovery,” she said on her single release.
“I’m obsessed. It’s my soundtrack to happiness and keeps me pushing on. I have a lot of ideas in my head about dance music.
“So when I’m not training or doing OT (occupational therapy), I’ve been creating music with the support of some new friends.”
Leary is signed to etcetc, the same label as Fisher, and co-wrote and co-produced the track on the Gold Coast with established producer Wongo.
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