Ep. 16: Lex Gillette
Episode 16: Lex Gillette on Shattering World Records, Overcoming Adversity, and Finding Vision Beyond Sight
In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Lex, the best totally blind long and triple jumper in U.S. Paralympic history. Lex, a world record holder and five-time Paralympic medalist, takes us through his incredible achievements and the challenges he faced on his path to success.
At a young age, Lex's sight began to fade due to recurrent retina detachments, ultimately leaving him blind. His mother became his unwavering support, vowing to teach him everything he needed for a successful life.
At 19, Lex won his first Paralympic silver medal in the long jump, and he hasn't looked back since. He's become a tenacious competitor for Team USA, medaling in five consecutive Paralympic Games.
Lex's next goal is to bring home the gold. He's not only an exceptional athlete but also a motivational speaker, singer-songwriter, and inspiring author. His latest book, No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision: What Blindness Can Teach Us About Risk and Leadership reveals the steps he’s taken to see beyond reality, face challenges, and surpass expectations, including his own.
Lex's unique perspective as a Black, blind Paralympic speaker allows him to address vital topics such as visionary leadership, growth mindset, resilience, and high performance. Join us in this episode as we jump into the captivating journey of a true champion who demonstrates that true vision transcends mere sight.