5 Famous Blind Athletes

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blue square post that reads "5 Famous Blind Athletes" in white text, clip art of 5 grey athletes surround the WSB logo in the middle of the square. Bottom of square reads www.wsblind.org.

In the world of sports, determination and passion often overcome the greatest obstacles. For these five USA athletes, blindness was not a barrier but a stepping stone to achieving greatness. Their stories are a testament to the human spirit's ability to triumph against the odds. Here are five famous blind athletes who continue to inspire millions around the world.

1. McClain Hermes – Paralympic Swimmer Turned Triathlete

Mcclain Hermes kneels by a pool wearing several medals and petting her guide-dog,.

McClain Hermes has made waves, both literally and figuratively, in the world of sports. As a two-time Paralympic swimmer, Hermes is no stranger to the water. She first made a name for herself at the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016 and again in Tokyo in 2021. However, after her college swimming career at Loyola University, she sought a new challenge. Inspired by Brad Snyder, a former Paralympic swimming gold medalist turned triathlete, Hermes decided to dive into the world of triathlons.

Her first triathlon in March 2022 was not what she would call a great success, but she persevered. A year later, Hermes claimed victory at her first international race at the America's Championships in Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida. Now, living at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, she has her sights set on competing in the triathlon at the Paris Paralympic Games next summer.

Hermes' journey from a young girl dreaming of the Olympics to becoming a Paralympic swimmer and now a triathlete is a story of resilience and dedication. Her achievements inspire countless others to push beyond their limits and pursue their dreams.

2. Alvaro Mora Arellano – U.S. Blind Soccer National Team Forward

Alvaro Mora Arellano kicks a ball into a goal, wearing black-out goggles.

Alvaro Mora Arellano's story is one of perseverance and passion. After losing his eyesight at the age of three due to retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, he never let his blindness hinder his love for soccer. Born in Cocula, Guerrero, Mexico, Mora Arellano immigrated to Arizona in 2003, and over the years, he honed his skills in blind soccer.

In 2019, he attended a talent identification camp for the U.S. Blind Soccer National Team, and in October 2022, he made the team. Mora Arellano made history on March 19, 2023, when he scored the first-ever goal for the USA Blind Soccer Men's National Team in an international friendly match against Canada.

Now, as the only player from Arizona on the U.S. national team, Mora Arellano is training hard for the 2028 Paralympic Games, which will be held in Los Angeles. His journey from a young soccer lover in Mexico to representing the United States on the international stage is a powerful reminder that challenges can be overcome with determination and love for the game.

3. Deborah McAlexander: Riding Beyond Limits

Deborah McAlexander rides a brown horse, she wears a yellow vest with the words "Blind Rider" on each side of her torso. She wears a helmet and glasses.

Deborah McAlexander's journey is a remarkable testament to resilience and the power of pursuing one's passion despite life's challenges. Legally blind since her early twenties due to retinitis pigmentosa, Deborah has never let her visual impairment hinder her dreams. At the age of 64, she embarked on an ambitious goal: to represent the United States in para dressage at the Paralympics.

In March 2019, Deborah moved from Missouri to Wylie, Texas, to train at the prestigious North Texas Equestrian Center, a facility recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation as a center of excellence. Under the guidance of world-renowned trainer Kai Handt, she began rigorous training in dressage—a highly skilled form of riding that requires seamless, nonverbal communication between horse and rider to perform precise movements.

Despite being new to dressage, Deborah's dedication quickly propelled her forward. She trains six days a week with her equine partner, Cornet Noir, an 11-year-old Bavarian Warmblood. Together, they have made significant strides, regularly earning ribbons at competitions and qualifying for regional and national events.

Beyond her equestrian pursuits, Deborah is an accomplished musician and educator. A former scholarship violinist, she transitioned to piano after her diagnosis, earning a master's degree in piano performance. She has dedicated much of her life to advocating for the disabled through her foundation, Vision Beyond Eyesight, Inc., which focuses on public education and providing horseback riding opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

4. Olivia Chambers: Overcoming Adversity to Shine in Para Swimming

Olivia Chambers swims in her Iowa cap with swimming goggles on

Olivia Chambers, a swimmer from Little Rock, Arkansas, has faced significant challenges in her athletic career. At 16, Chambers began losing her vision, and by her senior year of high school, she was declared legally blind. Despite this, she continued to swim competitively and joined the University of Northern Iowa’s swim team. With the support of her coaches and teammates, Chambers transitioned into para swimming after her freshman year. She quickly rose through the ranks, breaking records and earning medals in international competitions. Most recently, she won a gold medal in the 2024 Paralympics for women’s 400m freestyle S13, a silver medal for women’s 100m breaststroke SB13, and a silver in women’s 200m medley SM13.

5. Lex Gillette: World Record Long-Jumper

Lex Gillete is mid-jump with his coach in the background appearing to offer guides.

Lex Gillette is a Paralympic silver medalist and world record holder in the long jump for Team USA. The only totally blind athlete to surpass the 22-foot barrier, he has won five Paralympic medals and four world championships.

Though he lost his sight as a child, Lex’s determination was shaped by his mother’s words: “You decide what you can do.” This mindset helped him turn adversity into triumph. Featured in media outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated, Lex was inducted into the ADN Hall of Fame in 2015.

Beyond sports, Lex is an athlete-mentor for Classroom Champions, where he inspires students in underserved communities to set goals, persevere, and work as a team. His work with young people even led to a collaboration on a Google Glass app that enhances his access to the world—mirroring the vision of his students. Through his achievements and mentorship, Lex continues to inspire on and off the field.

Conclusion

These five athletes, through their hard work, determination, and passion, have shown the world that blindness is not a limitation but a different way of experiencing life and sport. Their stories inspire us to overcome our own challenges, whatever they may be, and to strive for greatness in all that we do.