About lex
athlete. speaker. Author.
Lex Gillette is the most accomplished totally blind long and triple jumper in the history of the U.S. Paralympic movement — and the most decorated Paralympic long jumper in history. A five-time Paralympic medalist, four-time long jump world champion, and 24-time national champion, he made history as the first totally blind athlete to eclipse the 22-foot barrier in the long jump — a defining moment in a trailblazing career.
While many of his peers spent childhood riding bikes or shooting hoops, Lex faced a far greater challenge. At eight years old, he began losing his sight due to recurrent retinal detachments. After ten unsuccessful surgeries, his sight was gone. It was then that his mother, Verdina Gillette, had the heartbreaking task of telling her son he would likely never see again. But she also made a promise — that she would teach him everything he needed to thrive in life. Her strength and unwavering love became the foundation of his future success.
A Dream Come True
At just 19 years old, Lex captured his first Paralympic medal in the long jump at the 2004 Games in Athens, Greece — a dream realized through years of dedication and discipline. Since then, he has earned medals at every Paralympic Games he has attended, solidifying his legacy as a relentless and tenacious competitor.
With five Paralympic medals to his name and an unyielding drive, Lex is now focused on pursuing gold at the upcoming LA 2028 Paralympic Games. But his impact goes far beyond the track. As an elite athlete, motivational speaker, and singer-songwriter, Lex embodies the phrase No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision®
Lex’s athletic career includes many achievement and Awards
2021 Silver Medalist, Long Jump
Tokyo Paralympic Games, Tokyo Japan
2019Gold Medalist, Long Jump
Para-Athletics World Championships, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2017Gold Medalist, Long Jump
Para-Athletics World Championships, London, England
Please open this PDF to view all of Lex's accomplishments
Reaching Audiences
Lex is a highly sought-after inspirational African American keynote speaker who empowers his audiences to gaze beyond the horizon and see more than what is in front of their eyes.
There is no need for sight when you have a vision.© In fact, Lex proclaims that it wasn’t until he became blind that he was truly able to see. As he writes in his book FLY!, “Vision gives you strength. You see what can be, and maybe what ought to be. Your focus shifts away from what’s in your way, to what lies beyond your current reality.”
Lex has a unique perspective as a Black, blind Paralympic speaker. His presentation topics include visionary leadership, culture, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), ableism, growth mindset, resilience, and high performance, to name a few.
Contact us today to start securing a better future through Lex's motivational addresses. He proudly serves audiences throughout the nation, and beyond.
Respected Author
Respected Author, Lex's first book, Fly! has received praise for its message of inspiration, courage and hope.
FLY! Find your own wings and soar above life’s challenges by Lex Gillette.
With the encouragement and support of a dynamic and resolute mother who was determined for her son to function independently in the sighted world, Lex attended public schools in Raleigh, NC. In high school, Lex met Coach Brian Whitmer and was introduced to a life-changing track and field event... the long jump.
“Fly!” is more than the story of an athlete. The chapters not only tell great stories but also convey important, inspirational messages. This is a book for all ages. It inspires, entertains, and informs as it encourages everyone to “Fly!”
$19.99 Paperback, $27.49 Autographed Paperback
No Need For Sight When You Have A Vision:What blindness can teach us about risk and leadership
Lex has shown the world that vision – the kind that provides direction and inspires innovative thinking – unlocks the achiever and the leader within. In “No Need For Sight When You Have A Vision” Lex reveals the steps he’s taken to see beyond reality, face challenges, and surpass expectations, including his own.
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