April 1, 2024
Celebrating Two Decades of Paralympic Excellence
In AwareNow Issue 48: The Loud Edition, Paralympic long jumper Lex Gillette marks a monumental 20-year career in elite sport—highlighted by five consecutive Paralympic silver medals (2004–2020), a world record in the T11 long jump, multiple national titles, and six world championship chants. His journey spans from Athens to Tokyo, embodying resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
“Let’s Get to Paris, Win a Gold, and See What Unravels”
Lex reflects on the arc of his athletic life:
“It’s hard to believe that this marks 20 years of me participating in Paralympic sport. 20 YEARS!”
He recalls how, in 2016, noisy crowd clamor nearly derailed his jump—until he chose not to stop.
“I had a decision to make… I could have stopped running… Instead, Gillette jumped. He went from sixth place to winning the silver.”
That moment captured his essence: trust in preparation, trust in his guide, and unshakable belief.
Guided by Trust: The Power of Partnership
Blind athletes like Lex rely deeply on their guides. From childhood coach Brian Whitmer’s auditory training instructions to volunteer “sighted guides” offering critical cues during races and jumps, Lex’s career is a testament to collaborative athleticism. It’s a relationship built on timing, safety, and synchronized intuition.
Vision Beyond Sight: A Lifelong Mindset
In his feature article titled “No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision,” Lex shares one of his signature mantras. The words echo beyond sport—they’re about leadership, confidence, and self-belief. As he puts it, whether or not he competes in Los Angeles 2028, Paris 2024 will be another opportunity to propel that message forward.
Inspiring Beyond the Track
This feature isn’t just about medals—it’s about mission. Lex invites readers into his broader purpose: to challenge assumptions about blindness, inspire aspiring athletes, and show that vision is as much internal as it is external. The AwareNow spread radiates with his energy, advocating for a world where high expectations meet unwavering grit.
What’s Next? Paris, Purpose, Possibility
As Lex strides toward Paris 2024 and beyond, he remains driven by one question: “How far can I help humankind go?”
With a vision that transcends sight and a mindset that meets a noisy crowd with courage, Lex Gillette is guiding a generation—athletes and beyond—to leap higher, dream bigger, and believe in what seems impossible.
Explore Lex Gillette’s full article in AwareNow Issue 48: The Loud Edition: Read “No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision: 20 Years a Paralympian” on Issuu
