What makes a frontrunner? Gerard Diedhiou of Particular Olympics Senegal discovered step-by-step what it takes to not solely discover his personal voice, however to empower others in his group. From harsh beginnings, Gerard has discovered the right way to join with others, rising into a task mannequin on and off the sector.
In his youth, Gerard was alone. His mom remembers him as an remoted little boy unable to socialize and make associates. He struggled along with his schoolwork, displaying studying difficulties and struggling to know classes. Even in a crowd, it was as if he was by himself.
Taking motion, Gerard’s mom enrolled him in a faculty for kids with mental disabilities. Right here he acquired assist for his comprehension difficulties that fostered his voice and talent to attach with others. Then a breakthrough occurred.
On the age of 10, Gerard joined Particular Olympics Senegal. On the soccer pitch, Gerard proved a pure, significantly gifted at footwork and taking pictures. Over just a few quick years, he excelled and competed alongside gamers older than him. The idea in his play and the constant comradery of sport broke down a social barrier he struggled along with his total childhood.
Conversations about soccer developed into discussions and laughter along with his teammates past the sector. Gerard opened up and found confidence he by no means knew earlier than. A lot confidence that he sought to hitch his older teammates within the first Particular Olympics African Soccer Match in 2012. Though he was an impressive participant, he was too younger to compete!
However, this impressed Gerard to coach even tougher in order that when his time got here, he could be prepared. And shortly it did.
In 2016, Gerard was the distinguished prime scorer of the Particular Olympics Nationwide Unified Soccer Championship. And his dream of worldwide competitors got here true when he achieved medals within the Particular Olympics World Video games Abu Dhabi 2019. And galvanized his basketball workforce to a bronze medal victory within the 2023 Particular Olympics World Video games Berlin.
As his success in sport flourished, Gerard sought to increase his world even additional. He experimented with Dance Sport (for which he’s already gained a bronze medal), even taking programs on the Nationwide Faculty of Arts with the assistance of Particular Olympics. The facility Gerard felt from his private growth impressed him to reinvest the kindness others confirmed him.
This took the type of Athlete Management. Gerard jumped at any likelihood to assist fellow athletes and embolden them to seek out their self-confidence. It began with coaching to be a Younger Athletes Coach Assistant, a Health Captain, and even a Well being Messenger.
Gerard has thrived with these management roles the place he imparts his data and connects with others. He’s very engaged in well being actions, elevating consciousness about malaria prevention, and safety of kids with mental disabilities. His assist is so wanted, he’s a member of Particular Olympics Senegal Wholesome Athletes® logistic workforce, actively taking part within the preparation and through Wholesome Athletes occasions.
The fruits of his management efforts in his group earned him the position of Athletes’ Spokesperson granted by the Prime Minister of Senegal in August 2024. Gerard, the boy who was utterly remoted and felt invisible, is now being acknowledged by his nation’s leaders and making associates all around the world.
And this younger chief has not forgotten a very powerful individual on his journey. Gerard continues to assist his mom by serving to her promote home made juices, which they each take pleasure in. She is extraordinarily proud that Gerard has achieved a lot, however extra so, Gerard’s mom is simply comfortable to see her son be himself.
Search for Gerard on the 2025 World Winter Video games in Turin, Italy, the place he will likely be competing in Dance Sport!
