Meet Gerrard Gosens
A blind athlete who transforms limitations into extraordinary achievements, proving that passion knows no boundaries.
Gerrard’s Story
Gerrard’s story is a testament to his indomitable spirit. Despite being born blind, he has always faced challenges head-on, fuelled by his passion for life. As a highly accomplished professional athlete with an impressive collection of medals and awards, Gerrard is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. His fierce commitment to seizing opportunities and giving his all to every endeavour defines his outlook on life.
Whether it’s, conquering Mount Everest, showcasing his dancing skills on national television, or creating handmade chocolates for his café and retail store, Gerrard is determined to give his all. After representing Australia in athletics at three Paralympic Games, he transitioned to triathlons due to an injury. Once again, Gerrard pushed himself to achieve elite levels, becoming a world-class athlete participating in the Paratriathlon at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Gerrard has recently pivoted to marathon swimming taking on the English Channel and the Manhattan Island swim.
Gerrard proves that age is no obstacle when it comes to embracing challenges. Mentally and physically fit, he is ready to take on any formidable task.
Career Highlights
Explore the pivotal moments in Gerrard's career, from representing Australia in multiple Paralympic Games to scaling the heights of Mount Everest. Discover how each achievement has shaped Gerrard's journey and inspired others to pursue their dreams.
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Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), 2012 for outstanding service to sport and to people who are blind or have low vision
Centenary of Federation Medal, 2003
Melvin Jones Fellowship for humanitarian service, 1997
Fervent Global Love of Lives Medal (“The Nobel of Life”)
Young Queenslander of the Year, 1995
Finalist, Young Australian of the Year, 1995
Patron for International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), 2018
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Paralympic Games
1996 (Goalball)
2000 (Athletics)
2008 (Athletics)
Commonwealth Games
2022 (paratriathlon)
IPC World Athletics Championships
Competed (1998–2008)
2002 - 1,500m (4th)
2002 - 5,000m (6th)
Athletics Australia Nationals
2002 - 1,500m (1st), 5,000m (1st), 10,000m (1st)
2001 - 5,000m (1st), 10,000m (1st)
Australian record holder, 5,000m & 10,000m (2000)
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Completed the 2,000 km run from Cairns to Brisbane five times for charity
Ran the 2,000 km from Port Douglas to the Gold Coast in 1989 as part of "Mirage 2000" charity event
Climbed to Camp 3 (7,300m) on Mount Everest, becoming the first congenitally blind person to climb through the Everest Ice Fall
Co-piloted an ultralight motor glider around Queensland multiple times
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Completed the 20 km Swim Around Keppel (2022, 2023), becoming the first blind swimmer to finish the event
Attempted the English Channel swim in 2024 (44km – DNF – Swim Terminated 3 miles from French Coast)
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Raised over A$2 million in services and funds for the blind community in Australia
Multiple-time Australia Day Ambassador
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Won gold in the B1 class at the 2024 Oceania Indoor Rock-Climbing Championships in Sydney
Secured the Australian para climbing national championship title in December 2024
Qualified for the development squad aiming for the 2028 Paralympic Indoor Climbing Team
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First vision-impaired contestant on Australia's Dancing with the Stars (Season 9, 2009, 2nd place)
Subject of the documentary "Changing Channels," chronicling his English Channel swim
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Patron for International Day of People with Disability, 2018
Policy advisor and board member for sporting and disability organisations
Mentor and coach for students with challenges
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Co-founded Chocolate Moments, a Brisbane-based handmade chocolate business
Co-founded Graceville Moments Cafe & Catering, focusing on sensory-rich, inclusive hospitality experiences
The world’s only blind chocolatier
The Blind Chocolatier
Chocolate Moments was developed by Gerrard and his talented wife, Heather. With a heightened sense of smell and taste, Gerrard has a sophisticated palette and big expectations when it comes to taste. Unable to distinguish between chocolate flavours without having Heather read him the menu on the back of the box, Gerrard was determined to create a sensational ‘Chocolate Moment’ for everyone which required only taste and smell to fully experience.
Journey in Images
Immerse yourself in Gerrard's world through a collection of captivating photos. From thrilling adventure expeditions to heartfelt moments of triumph, experience the essence of Gerrard's journey through visual storytelling.
