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
Awards & Recognition
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
Representative Sports
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)
Ultra Endurance & Adventure
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
Open Water Swimming
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)
Fund Raising & Public Service
Raised over A$2 million in services and funds for the blind community in Australia
Multiple-time Australia Day Ambassador
Indoor Climbing & Para Climbing
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
Media & Public Engagement
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
Advocacy & Leadership
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
Entrepreunership & Hospitality
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.
