Meet
Gerrard Gosens

A blind athlete who overcomes limitations to take on extraordinary challenges, proving that passion knows no boundaries.

Gerrard's Story

Gerrard’s story is a testament to his indomitable spirit. Blind from birth, his passion for life has allowed him to push past pre-conceived boundaries. Whether it’s conquering Mount Everest, showcasing his dancing skills on national television, or creating handmade chocolates for his café and retail stores, Gerrard is determined to give his all.

Gerrard is perhaps best known for his athletic accomplishments. After representing Australia in athletics at three Paralympic Games, he transitioned to triathlons due to an injury. There he pushed himself to elite levels, becoming a world-class participant in the Para-triathlon at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Recently he pivoted to marathon swimming, taking on the English Channel and the Manhattan Island swim. Even more recently, Gerrard has forayed into para-climbing, with an eye on the 2028 Paralympics.

As any elite athlete will attest, only half a challenge is physical; the rest is mental. This is where Gerrard excels, motivating not just himself but those around him. He embraces challenge, regardless of blindness, age or other obstacles of the mind. His fierce commitment to seizing opportunities continues to define his outlook on life. 

Career Highlights

  • 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

  • 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)

  • Raised over A$2 million in services and funds for the blind community in Australia

  • Multiple-time Australia Day Ambassador

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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, in Brisbane’s CBD, and its sister-store, Graceville Moments, were developed by Gerrard and his talented wife, Heather. Gerrard’s heightened sense of smell and taste have led to big expectations when it comes to chocolate. Unable to distinguish between the flavours of certain other chocolates without having Heather read him the menu on the box, Gerrard was determined to create sensational ‘chocolate moments’ that required only taste and smell to appreciate their unique qualities.