Nike’s Custom Goggles for Paralympian Lex Gillette: A Game-Changer in Adaptive Sports

In the world of Paralympic athletics, few names stand out like Lex Gillette. A five-time Paralympic silver medalist and the only totally blind athlete to clear 6.73 meters in the long jump, Gillette continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in adaptive sports. Now, Nike has stepped up to honor his achievements and enhance his performance with a custom-designed pair of competition goggles, complete with an inspirational braille message that perfectly captures his philosophy:

“You don’t need eyesight when you have vision.”

These aren’t just any goggles—they represent innovation, inclusivity, and the power of belief.

Why Are These Goggles Necessary?

In Paralympic track and field, athletes with visual impairments compete in classifications based on their level of vision loss. Gillette competes in the T11 category, which is designated for athletes who are completely blind or have minimal light perception. To ensure fairness, T11 athletes are required to wear blacked-out goggles, preventing any possibility of residual vision being used during competition.

This means Gillette relies entirely on his guide, his spatial awareness, and his finely tuned muscle memory to execute his jumps with precision. Nike’s custom goggles aren’t just a piece of gear—they’re a symbol of his dedication, his journey, and the technology that supports world-class adaptive athletes.

The Design: A Blend of Performance & Inspiration

Nike is known for pushing the limits of sports innovation, and these goggles are no exception.

• Custom Fit & Lightweight Material: Ensures comfort and security while competing at the highest level.

• Blacked-Out Lenses: Meets Paralympic regulations while providing optimal coverage.

• Embossed Braille Message: “You don’t need eyesight when you have vision” serves as a powerful reminder of Gillette’s belief in his abilities.

Beyond functionality, the design itself is a testament to inclusivity in sportswear, proving that athletes of all abilities deserve high-performance gear tailored to their needs.

Lex Gillette: The Definition of Vision

Born with a degenerative eye condition called retinoschisis, Gillette lost his sight completely by the age of eight. But instead of letting his disability define him, he embraced a new vision for himself—one built on determination, resilience, and a refusal to accept limits.

With the help of his long-time guide Wes Williams, Gillette has become one of the most dominant Paralympic long jumpers in history, securing five silver medals across five Paralympic Games, multiple world championships, and a personal best jump of 6.73m—a record no other blind athlete has ever matched.

"There is no need for sight when you have a vision,” Gillette often says—a motto that is now quite literally embedded into his Nike goggles.

More Than Just Gear—A Statement on Accessibility in Sports

Nike’s decision to create these custom goggles isn’t just about one athlete—it’s about recognizing the importance of accessibility, representation, and innovation in adaptive sports.

This move highlights a growing trend in the sports industry:

• Performance gear should be available for ALL athletes, regardless of ability.

• Big brands like Nike are investing in Paralympians, giving them the same level of attention and innovation as their Olympic counterparts.

• Athletes like Lex Gillette are proving that limitations are often just perceptions—true barriers exist only if we let them.

Final Thoughts: A Step Forward for Adaptive Sports Gear

Nike’s custom goggles for Lex Gillette aren’t just another piece of equipment—they are a statement, a symbol of inclusion, and a tool that empowers one of the greatest Paralympic athletes of all time.

Gillette has already redefined what’s possible for blind athletes. Now, with Nike’s support, he’s proving that vision is about much more than sight—it’s about believing in yourself, even when the world tells you otherwise.

So, are these goggles awesome? Absolutely.