Want Elexis for a Speaking Engagement?

Close your eyes and picture this…

You’re on the long jump runway preparing to jump. You plant your foot and take your first step. You take off running faster, faster, picking up more speed as you go. The take off board approaches and you take flight. Your body soars high in the air and you extend your legs and arms for more distance. You begin to fall from your flight. The sand-filled pit welcomes a safe landing and you walk towards the back of the pit while the crowd screams their pleasure. This reaction tells you that your jump is really far.

Now, imagine yourself reliving this sequence of events without being able to see. The whole scenario just changed.

He is Elexis (Lex) Gillette, USA’s best totally blind long and triple jumper. Elexis has been competing professionally in track and field since he was 18 years of age. Elexis lost his vision to recurrent retina detachments as a child. Life was really painful and tough at first, but with the help of others especially God and his mother, Lex has transformed his tribulation in to a triumph.

In the 2008 Paralympic Games, Elexis retained his silver medal finish from Athens 2004 and now he focuses on London 2012. For this jumping Phenom, Beijing 2008 was a remarkable experience especially since he had his best performance of his illustrious track and field career in setting a new American record for both long jump and triple jump.

Gillette is truly a motivational icon who was dealt a tough hand. Like any successful person, he has turned the tables and inspires all who meet him. We would love for you to book Elexis at your next event!

If you are interested in hearing his phenominal story, please contact us so that we can discuss and plan accordingly. We look forward to hearing from you!

“It is an honor and privilege to represent our great country in sport and I thank you all for all of your support in my life and in athletics. I cannot do it without you!”

~Lex

Testimonials

Here are a few things people have said after hearing Elexis speak:

Janet Perez — NC Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, Raleigh, NC

Thank you for coming to the NC Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and speaking to the youth in our summer SAVVY program. You will be glad to hear that they were listening. One young lady proudly declared that she turned her phone off! That’s saying a lot! She later boasted that she had met a celebrity!

The students also appreciated having the opportunity to speak with you after your presentation. One young man from Kinston, NC was thrilled to hear that you were born in his hometown. The fact that he won your red jacket only added to his excitement.

Elexis, I know you must often hear that you are an inspiration, but to me you are more. You are living proof that when the mind, body, and spirit work together, anything is possible. As you said, “If you can see it in your mind, you can do it!” Your success leaves no room for excuses, and that’s just what our youth needed to experience.


Lex and Jack

Keri Schindler — Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, Chicago, IL

Elexis Gillette came to Chicago in May to assist GLASA with its Paralympic Academy Track & Field Clinic. Elexis was a big hit with the athletes, volunteers and parents. During the lunch portion of the event he spoke to the group about his experiences training for and competing at the Paralympics. He spoke to the kids about the hard work, dedication and commitment it takes to become and elite athlete. Elexis did a great job relating to athletes of all ages and with a variety of disabilities.

The kids really enjoyed asking Elexis questions as well as getting to see and touch his silver medal. He related very well to the kids and was and engaging, energetic and captivating speaker. We look forward to working with Elexis again at future events as well as to continuing to watch him excel in his career.