Meditative Story To be seen on my own terms, by Lex Gillette
Feb 3, 2026
Lex Gillette, a five-time Paralympic medalist and world-record long jumper who lost his sight as a child, shares how he shaped identity through sport and music. He talks about discovering the long jump as a refuge, reclaiming music in college, and using songwriting to connect and create moments that let him be seen on his own terms.
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Childhood Anchors Amid Sight Loss
- As Lex's sight failed, familiar neighborhood sights and smells anchored his memory and identity.
- Hospital visits and unsuccessful operations narrowed his world and heightened fears of being overlooked.
Choosing Running Over Expected Paths
- Instead of taking up piano as others suggested, Lex ran around his neighborhood to defy expectations.
- Running let him test his limits and escape what people thought possible for him.
Finding Freedom On The Runway
- Coach Whitmer introduced Lex to the long jump, where verbal cues and counted steps guided him down the runway.
- The track became a place where he created his own expectations and found flow.