The smell of melting chocolate has replaced the roar of stadium crowds for Gerrard Gosens. The three-time Paralympian has reinvented himself as a Brisbane chocolatier, marking World Chocolate Day with handcrafted creations entirely made without sight at Chocolate Moments, his boutique chocolate shop and café on Albert Street.
A remarkable second act
Before becoming a chocolatier, Mr Gosens was an international Paralympian.
Born blind, he represented Australia at three Paralympic Games across two sports, making his debut in goalball at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games before switching to athletics. As a T11 middle- and long-distance runner, he competed at the Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
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His sporting achievements extend beyond the Paralympics. Mr Gosens has competed internationally in para-triathlon, represented Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and completed numerous endurance challenges, including long-distance charity runs and open-water swimming projects.
Away from elite sport, he has built a business around another lifelong passion.
As a totally blind chocolatier, Mr Gosens develops many of his recipes by relying on his senses of smell, taste and texture rather than sight, producing premium handmade chocolates from his Brisbane boutique.
Building Chocolate Moments
Opening Chocolate Moments was about more than starting a business. Developed with his wife, Heather, the boutique chocolate shop was designed around the belief that chocolate should be experienced through the senses rather than simply admired.
The couple named the business Chocolate Moments because they believe “there’s a moment for chocolate in everyone’s lives,” whether it’s celebrating a milestone, saying thank you or simply sharing time with friends and family.
His unique career transformation was highlighted as part of 4BC’s World Chocolate Day coverage, where he spoke about making chocolate without sight and the business he operates with his wife, Heather.
A sweet way to celebrate
Last 7 July, Gerrard Gosens marked World Chocolate Day by inviting customers to celebrate with a handcrafted seasonal treat. To coincide with the annual celebration, Chocolate Moments baked a Dark Chocolate, Date, Walnut and Fig loaf, served as thick toasted slices and paired with premium barista coffee or a hot chocolate drink.
The special offering was available at both Chocolate Moments on Albert Street in Brisbane’s CBD and its sister venue, Graceville Moments Café & Catering.
Rather than hosting a large public event, the business marked the occasion by showcasing artisan chocolate through its café experience, where customers can enjoy handcrafted chocolates alongside coffee, hot chocolate and house-made sweet treats.
This year’s celebration centred on a handcrafted seasonal loaf and an invitation for customers to pause and enjoy what the business describes as a “chocolate moment.” For Mr Gosens, it was another opportunity to demonstrate that life after elite sport can take unexpected and delicious directions.
Published 8-July-2026
