The Blind Adventurer Who Redefined Bravery

Meet Gerrard Gosens: Ultra-Athlete, Adventurer, Father, and Speaker

Gerrard Gosens has been blind since birth. But that hasn’t stopped him from doing what most sighted people never attempt. He’s run from Cairns to Brisbane multiple times. He’s climbed Mount Everest to 8,300 metres. He’s swum the English Channel. He’s danced in front of millions on Dancing with the Stars. And he runs a chocolate business.

But ask Gerrard what he's most proud of, and he won’t mention any of those things. He’ll tell you about being a father. About helping his daughter, who is also blind, navigate the world. About choosing to take the next step every day, even when he can’t see where it leads.

What Is True Bravery?

Most people define bravery as doing something dangerous or bold. Gerrard redefines it. For him, bravery is waking up and choosing to trust the path ahead — even when it’s invisible. It’s not about removing fear. It’s about moving through it.

“You don’t need sight to have vision.” – Gerrard Gosens

In a world obsessed with perfection and comfort, Gerrard’s story cuts through. His life is a reminder that adversity doesn’t block your path — it becomes it.

How Gerrard Builds Courage Daily

Gerrard’s approach isn’t based on hype or motivation. It’s built on systems, structure, and habits. He trains every day. He manages a business. He parents with purpose. And he speaks on stages around the world about choosing to act when most would freeze.

In his interview with Sam Penny, Gerrard shares:

• How he mentally prepares to run 1,500km without seeing the road
• What pushing his body in pain taught him about clarity and leadership
• Why discomfort is a teacher, not something to avoid
• The power of routines to make courage automatic
• How to raise a child with blindness and still dream big

What Business Leaders and Founders Can Learn

This episode isn’t just inspirational — it’s instructional. If you're a business owner, leader or coach, there are direct takeaways for your personal performance and team culture:

1. Control your inputs. Gerrard filters fear by filtering noise. He chooses his environment carefully.
2. Master discomfort. The more you train your response to discomfort, the less it controls you.
3. Break big goals into micro-trust moments. Focus on the next step, not the summit.
4. Use structure as a scaffold for bravery. Routines protect progress.
5. Focus on purpose, not applause. Gerrard doesn’t chase recognition. He chases impact.

Behind the Mic: Sam Penny’s Take

"Interviewing Gerrard left a mark. I've swum the English Channel and pushed my own limits in business and endurance. But this man made me reflect on the stories we all tell ourselves — and how easy it is to let comfort become the compass. Gerrard reminded me that courage isn’t found. It’s built, one decision at a time." — Sam Penny

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Gerrard Gosens?

Gerrard Gosens is a blind Australian adventurer, Paralympian, motivational speaker and entrepreneur. He’s known for endurance challenges like running ultramarathons, climbing Mount Everest, and swimming the English Channel.

What is Gerrard's message about bravery?

Gerrard believes bravery isn’t the absence of fear but the decision to act despite it. He encourages people to focus on action, purpose, and trust rather than waiting for motivation or clarity.

Where can I listen to the full podcast?

You can listen to the full episode at sampenny.com/brave.

Listen Now

🎧 Why’d You Think You Could Do That? featuring Gerrard Gosens

About the Host

Sam Penny is an ultra-endurance athlete, business coach, and host of the podcast Why’d You Think You Could Do That?. He helps entrepreneurs and high performers turn bold visions into real outcomes. Book a call or follow him on social media @90dayswithsam.