Lex Gillette

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.

Lex Gillette is a 5-time medalist at the Paralympic Games, and a world record holder in the long jump, but he’s more than that too. As he learns to navigate the world after losing his sight, he’s worried about being left out and overlooked — or, just as bad, being seen only in terms of his disability and his athletic gifts. Lex shares the story of how he began to forge his identity on his own terms, creating a spotlight that he steps into with his entire being.Listen to Cal Ripken Jr.’s episode of Meditative Story, "Showing up is never an end in itself": http://listen.meditativestory.com/CalRipkenJrWWLearn more about Lex: https://www.lexgillette.comFollow him on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lexgilletteFollow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexgillette/Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.comSign up for the Meditative Story newsletter: https://meditativestory.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lex Gillette, Blind Paralympic Medalist, shares his advice on courage, motivation, optimism, and inspiring life lessons. He discusses overcoming obstacles, finding courage, and the importance of support and accessibility tools. The guest also talks about motivation, regaining confidence, and staying focused. They discuss advocating for inclusivity, turning negative encounters into educational moments, and the power of having a vision.