Tasmania-born Al Viney was a promising young rower throughout her high school years. At the age of 18, in 2010, Al survived a high-speed car accident caused by a drunk driver. The accident left her with lasting impairments to her left elbow, forearm and hand.
Believing that her time as an athlete had passed, Al channelled her passion for sport into a career; graduating with a Bachelor of Exercise and sport science (sports Nutrition) from Deakin University and working as a sport scientist and strength and conditioning coach in Geelong until 2019.
In May 2018, Al was asked whether she had considered becoming a Para-athlete, an option she’d been unaware of. In November of that year, she began her journey as a Para-athlete when she sat in a boat for the first time since her accident, a second chance at her rowing dream.
Alexandra was selected for the Australian Senior Para-Rowing Team in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four in February 2019. That May, she made her international debut at the Gavirate International Para Regatta, placing second in the PR3 four. She then placed fourth in the world at her first World Championships, in the bow of her selected boat class qualifying a place for Australia for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
At Tokyo, Al competed with crewmates Nikki Ayers, Tom Birtwistle, James Talbot, and coxswain Renae Domaschenz in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four to finish in fourth place with a time of 7:34.73.
Outside of her training in pursuit of Paralympic selection, Al is studying for a Master of Business (sports management) and operates a small business. She hopes to continue to raise awareness around road safety, mental health, women in sports and opportunities for people with impairments.
Rowing Highlights
Women's PR3 Pair in 2019, 2020, and 2021
PR3 Mixed Coxed Four 2019 & 2021
Tasmania-born Alexandra Viney was sure of three things growing up - Thomas the Tank engine was cool, golden retrievers are a girl's best friend and that she, Al, was one day going to play basketball for Australia at the Olympic Games....
Al always felt that the best way to express herself was through her involvement in sport. Al was a promising young athlete throughout her schooling years, confirmed by being named captain of several sporting teams including the soccer, rowing and basketball teams, as well as winning a state championship in soccer, and a National Championship bronze medal in rowing.
Al could not wait for the excitement of life at university and diving headfirst into representing her State, and hopefully one day, her Country in rowing.
However, on the night before Al’s year twelve graduation, with so many incredible opportunities ahead of her, Al was met with a life altering event that would fracture her sense of self, send her spiralling into unknown territory, and challenge her very existence on this earth.
A now two-time Paralympian and World Championship Silver Medallist, Al's journey is proof that self-belief, building strong foundations, and having the
ability to adapt are the keys to overcoming adversity and withstanding the pressures of life.
Harnessing the power of vulnerability, accountability, and adaptability to build unbreakable resilience. In "Resilience in Motion," Alexandra Viney, a Sport Scientist and a two-time Paralympian, invites audiences on a transformative journey into the core of resilience. This keynote delves into the interconnectedness of adaptability, vulnerability and accountability. Alexandra presents them as powerful tools for personal and professional growth, challenging the audience to embrace vulnerability as a source of strength, encouraging them to share their authentic selves, and teaches them to learn from each experience.
Enhancing collective success through curiosity, belonging, and the wisdom of ‘the squirrel and the acorn’. Join two-time Paralympian, Alexandra Viney, in her keynote "The Team Advantage”. This keynote explores how choosing to be curious unlocks innovative thinking, creates an environment for authenticity, and teaches each member where they can find a deep sense of belonging and contribution in everyday life.
With the analogy “the squirrel and the acorn” inspired by Al’s coach, James Loveday, audiences will hear of Al’s lived experience on how small, intentional actions can grow into extraordinary collective achievements when nurtured.
Al challenges participants to recognise and cultivate the strengths that lie within themselves and to see beyond their expectations, unlocking a shared vision for a thriving future.
Perspective, People, and Possibilities
Join Alexandra Viney, a two-time Paralympian in "Beyond the Moment," a transformative keynote presentation that delves into the profound impact of perspective, connection, and inclusive innovation for personal and organisational growth.This keynote emphasises the power of conversation as a catalyst for impactful change, creativity, unlocking opportunities through curiosity, and allowing for those around us to contribute authentically.
Al will share her lived experiences and insights on the importance of creating spaces that facilitate growth. She will highlight the significance of personal values, cultural standards and being open to perspectives and possibilities.
