Gerrard Gosens
Profession: Paralympian and adventurer
Partner: Jessica Raffa
Charity: Vision Australia
Vote: Eliminated
He's climbed Mt Everest, swum with sharks and flown a motor glider around Queensland. In a Dancing With The Stars world first, blind adventurer and three-time paralympian, Gerrard Gosens is about to face his greatest challenge ever when he takes to the dance floor with partner Jessica Raffa.
Gerrard Gosens is recognised as one of the most outstanding people in Australia today.
Congenitally blind, Gerrard became Australia's youngest Guide Dog recipient at age sixteen. Using a laptop computer with speech output to assist his studies, Gerrard achieved an exceptional High School score and gained entrance to the Bachelor of Business Management at Queensland University of Technology. Gerrard's commendable academic achievements are matched by his skill and success at sport.
Gerrard lives by the philosophy 'Success is a journey, not a destination', but jokes he has hit many signposts while training for his chosen sport of long distance running. Gerrard has competed in many marathons and has run 2,000 kilometres from Cairns to Brisbane five times to raise money for charity.
Gerrard represented Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games in the team sport of Goalball where the team just missed out on a bronze medal. Goalball is specifically for athletes that are blind or who are vision impaired.
Gerrard decided to return to his former sporting love – distance running and represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games in the 5000 metres, 10,000 metres and marathon (42.2km). Gerrard has gone on to be one of only 60 Australians to be a torch Bearer for the 2008 Olympic Games, and was selected to represent Australia at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games where he competed in the 1500 meters.
Gerrard believes in preparation! During 2003/2004 he spent many weeks at Everest Base Camp and high altitudes in the Himalayas. Gerrard returned to Everest in 2005 and climbed beyond Camp Three (7300m). Gerrard plans to return to Everest, as he aims to be the first congenitally blind person to summit Everest.
Gerrard Gosens also has a head for heights, having three times co-piloted an ultra light motor glider around Queensland to raise funds for charity.
His many achievements and his strength and determination to succeed at whatever he does, saw him named Young Queenslander of the Year in 1995, and a finalist in the Young Australian of the Year. Gerrard was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 1998 for humanitarian service, and in 2003 received a Centenary of Federation Medal for service to sport.
A well sought after conference presenter and after-dinner speaker, Gerrard is presently, Special Projects Manager for 'Vision Australia' and is constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of children who are blind, like his 11 year old daughter, Taylor.
Meanwhile, he is writing a book called "My Eyes had a Wet Nose", which provides an insight into the many unique and entertaining experiences that he has encountered with his guide dogs, Joey, Anchor, Summit, and now Chief. Everything from spending the night with Stevie Wonder, landing his first full time job a week out of high school through to pulling off one of Queensland's best ever April Fools Day jokes and competing in the National Tandem Long board Surfing Championships.
269 Comments
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Ghousia 03:45am Monday 07th September 2009 EST Report AbuseHi Gerrard,Congratulation on your weeding with your beautiful wife.i saw your all dancing programmed and really want to appreciate for your excellent performance.i didn't miss any programmed just wathced bcoz for your performance.i didnt watch any dancing programme before.i m from pakistan and living in australia from 2 years.i only watch this programme about your excellent performance your wife is also very good i really impress.i just say one thing. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALLWAY'S B ...
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nicolemoysey 10:28pm Sunday 06th September 2009 EST Report Abuse
Gerrard, I watched you dance tonight with tears in my eyes. NOT because i saw a blind man dancing but because I saw a beautiful, good kind,inspirational man look so compfortable with himself. and to see your family and the support you have is something only some of us can ever dream of. I think I can saftely say you have provided alot of us with much more than just a few fancy dancing moves over the last few weeks. TRUELY WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!
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Katie 10:16pm Sunday 06th September 2009 EST Report Abuse
congrats gerrard you are truely amazing wat u did tonite for your wife is an amazing gift for her one she'l never forget..and a great achivment for yourslef, u blow me and my family away whilst dancing tonite..such an inspiration! keep thriving to achieve amazing things i truely look up to you. god bless you, your wife and family are so lucky to have u. best wishes katie..
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deb57_5046 09:46pm Sunday 06th September 2009 EST Report Abuse
Gerrard Congratulations your belated wedding dance was beautifull and the look on your wifes face was pure love and so proud of you Well done to you both , keep up the dancing
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Rachael 09:40pm Sunday 06th September 2009 EST Report Abuse
Watching you and your wife dance tonight was just beautiful, made me quite teary but very much enjoyed it. I have really enjoyed watching your journey on the show, best of luck for the future and well done you have been inspirational!
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Kate 09:28pm Sunday 06th September 2009 EST Report Abuse
Gerrard... you are truly an inspiration to everyone! congratualtions on ur wedding waltz it was absoulutley beautiful the way you and your wife trusted each other. i was in tears before you even started! jessica is also gorgeous dancing with you! i will never forget you Gerrard, you have opened my eyes to life!
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emfknk 09:17pm Sunday 06th September 2009 EST Report Abuse
Gerrard, I look at you every week when you dance and I am just so inspirared at what you do and how you take the the comments from judges, you make me think and see how greatful I am to be able to see and do things. If I was you I would be stoked at what you have achieved you are strong in a lot of ways and I am so happy that you and your wife got to have your special dance! God Bless and keep up your Strength.
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connor99test124 09:07pm Sunday 06th September 2009 EST Report Abuse
You Your Wife Your Family are inspirational. Congratulations!!! Australia is a better place with you in it. Proudly I can also say Rockhampton!!!
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karyn1st 09:06pm Sunday 06th September 2009 EST Report Abuse
Hi Gerrard, Congratulations on your wedding waltz with your beautiful wife. My heart sank when you fell on the stairs but I stood and cheered in my loungeroom when you stood up with that gorgeous smile. WELL DONE
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