Triathlete Alexa Leary’s former coach Peter McKenzie throws support behind athlete in coma in hospital

The Sunshine Coast community has thrown its support behind Alexa Leary as the popular triathlete fights for her life in hospital.

Coach Peter McKenzie with Alexa Leary who he coached in triathlons for six years. Picture: Social Media

The Sunshine Coast community has come together to rally behind a Noosa teen recovering from critical injuries in the Brisbane Royal and Women’s Hospital.

Triathlete Alexa Leary suffered a heavy biking fall on Saturday and remained in a coma on Wednesday after doctors discovered blood clots on her brain.

Leary, a successful triathlete who only 10 months ago embarked on her professional career, suffered major injuries when the bike she was riding crashed in Pomona.

On Monday doctors performed surgery on her knee.

Her other injuries include a fractured scapular, shoulder blade, wrist, ribs and a collapsed lung.

Friends and family of Leary have taken to social media to show their support using the hashtag #prayforlex.

“You are a ray of sunshine and the Leary household has never been so cold but you have to keep fighting...we want our big sister back,” her brother Max Leary said on Instagram.

“Praying for you every single second of every day that goes on so please keep fighting Lex,” Molly Cooper said on Instagram.

“What I would give to just be with you right now, keep fighting, I love you,” Leary’s boyfriend Wil O’Dwyer said across his social media.

“Fight with every bone in your body because you are a miracle and I truly know God has put you in my life as one of the best blessing that I will ever receive,” Emma Benjamin said on Instagram.

Alexa Leary remains in a stable condition in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital after suffering a serious fall in a biking incident. Picture: Social Media

Leary’s former coach Peter McKenzie had guided her since her family moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2015.

He said the crash was news no one wanted to hear.

“It’s tough but so is she and I know there’s a lot of people that are praying for her to pull through,” he said.

“She’s the hardest worker I’ve ever met and I’ve never trained anyone as tough or as determined as she is.

“She’s always up for a challenge and that’s always when she thrived the most so here’s hoping she’s up for the immense task that’s facing her now.”

Leary’s biggest achievement was in 2019 when she received a silver medal at the World Championships in Switzerland.

Noosa triathlete Alexa Leary was injured while training and remains in a coma at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. Picture Instagram @alexaleary.tri

McKenzie said she was one of a kind.

“She’s really well regarded and liked by the people that have trained her and trained alongside her,” he said.

“She is a lovely girl and always has the biggest smile on her face.”

McKenzie said Leary had won multiple Coast triathlons and had represented Queensland numerous times.

He said a lot of people were desperate to hear positive news of her recovery.

“She’s a downright fighter and I know a lot of people are hoping for the best,” he said.

Originally published as Triathlete Alexa Leary’s former coach Peter McKenzie throws support behind athlete in coma in hospital