Gaël Rivière on competing in a home games, his passion for football and hopes for legacy

Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take?

Blind footballer Gaël Rivière joins Paralympic silver medallist Matt Stutzman, “The Armless Archer”, and Olympic track legend Michael Johnson in the studio to talk about playing the beautiful game when you can’t see the ball.

Gaël learned to play soccer with his friends on Reunion Island by putting the ball in a plastic bag so he could hear it. These days he plays with a special sounding ball which Matt and Michael get to hear and try out for themselves.

In 2012, Gaël was part of Les Bleus silver medal winning team at the London 2012 Paralympics, an event that he thinks revolutionized the way people view disability sport. He hopes his home Games in Paris this summer will be even better and show the world what people with disabilities can do. Gaël and Michael reflect on the joys and pressures of competing at home.

In Rising Phoenix: What Does It Take? Matt and Michael explore the hard work, drive, dedication and sacrifice required to become an elite Paralympian. Come back next time when they’re joined by wheelchair tennis ace Gustavo Fernandez.

Brought to you by the creators of Emmy Award winning Rising Phoenix. Supported by global partners Procter & Gamble - the makers of Oral-B, Pampers and Gillette Venus - and adidas.

You can watch the video version of this episode on the Rising Phoenix Youtube channel here

This is a Persephonica production in partnership with Harder Than You Think.

Hosts: Michael Johnson and Matt Stutzman

Producers: Marilyn Rust and Calum Campbell

Director of video: Oliver Geraghty

Video production: Dan Pape

Executive Producers: Greg Nugent and Ellie Clifford

“Rising Phoenix” - Written by Daniel Pemberton, Keith Jones, Toni Hickman and George Doman

Performed by Daniel Pemberton, Toni Hickman, georgetragic, and Keith Jones. Published by Alika’s Publishing, Doman Development, Moncur Street Music Limited, administered by peermusic (UK) Ltd.

Archive Material: IPC London 2012, Paris 2024 promotional video, IBSA Blind Football European Championships 2017, World Grand Prix France 2022

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