Gael Riviere

Started: He took up the sport in 2004 in Paris, France. (Athlete, 24 Aug 2021) Reason: He played football with his friends when he was younger. "At the time I didn't know about Para football 5-a-side, or the special ball. In order to play I had the idea of putting the ball inside a plastic bag so it made a sound. The idea of using a plastic bag convinced me that many things can be adapted quite simply." (u-paris2.fr, 01 Jan 2013) Milestones: He was part of the squad that won France's first Paralympic medal [silver] in football 5-a-side at the 2012 Games in London. He is one of four players [along with Martin Baron, Hakim Arezki, and Frederic Villeroux] named in the French squad for the 2024 Games who also took part in London 2012. (SportsDeskOnline, 01 Jul 2024) Awards: In 2013 he was named Knight of the National Order of Merit by the French government. (unadev.com, 22 Feb 2013) Additional Info: MOVE TO FRANCE Born in the French overseas territory of Reunion, at age 14 he moved to Paris in mainland France with the intention of continuing his studies and experiencing new things. "I think that at that time of my life I needed to meet other people with a vision impairment who had been in comparable situations. It was not that easy in Reunion. That's how I learned a lot of the tricks that make life easier for the vision impaired. I got used to computing, I learned how to surf on the internet, and I also learned how to move on the street." (starting-block.org, 01 Jan 2013) OCCUPATION He has worked as a lawyer specialising in business law in Paris, France. "I reconcile these two passions even if it is not always easy. My office agreed that during the Paralympic year [speaking in 2024], I would work reduced hours. Part-time as a lawyer, sure, but I'm given the opportunity to train every day." (francetvinfo.fr, 20 May 2024; LinkedIn profile, 01 May 2024; imazpress.com, 11 Mar 2024; irsam.fr, 15 Dec 2023) FURTHER EDUCATION In 2014 he graduated with a master's degree in law from the University of Paris in France. "In 2012, when I went to the Paralympic Games in London, I was doing my interviews for my master's degree, and 80% of the time I only talked about the Games." (francetvinfo.fr, 20 May 2024; LinkedIn profile, 01 May 2024; AssasWebTV YouTube channel, 22 Nov 2016; starting-block.org, 01 Jan 2013) OTHER ROLES He has served as delegate vice-president of the French Handisport Federation. In 2018 he was named athletes' representative for the International Blind Sports Federation [IBSA]. (LinkedIn profile, 01 May 2024; handisport.org, 04 Oct 2020; IBSA Blind Football Facebook page, 09 Sep 2020; ibsasport.org, 2018)