Alexandra Viney’s sporting story didn’t restart — it reignited. And this time, nothing was off the table.

A promising young athlete from Tasmania with aspirations of becoming an elite rower, Alex’s life changed forever at 18 when she survived a high-speed car accident caused by a drunk driver. The injuries to her left arm were permanent — but it was society’s perception of disability that forced the door closed on her dreams and future sporting career. A loss that shaped her path, but not her passion and perspective.

Alex built a successful career as a strength and conditioning coach with a passion for Australian Rules Football (AFL and AFLW). Coaching allowed Alex to stay close to sport, but she always felt that something was missing. That is until a fleeting conversation about opportunities and belonging with a stranger on the side of a football field threw Alex out of the coaches box, and back where she truly belonged - in a boat as an athlete.

Since then, Alex has become a world championship silver medallist and a two-time Paralympian, representing Australia at the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She now has her sights set on LA 2028 — chasing Paralympic gold with the same resilience that’s driven her entire journey.

Off the water, Alex is a passionate advocate for inclusion in sport. She sits on both the Rowing Australia Athlete Commission and the Paralympics Australia Athlete Commission, where she holds an executive position. As a Proud2Play ambassador, she works to create visibility and opportunity for LGBTQIA+ people across the sporting landscape.

Alex’s story isn’t about going back — it’s about pushing forward and making space where others once said there was none.