Gilbert Tuhabonye is a beloved role model, coach and an inspiration to people all over the world. He is also a genocide survivor.
On October 21, 1993, Gilbert, then a high school junior with a promising running career, narrowly escaped a massacre at his school during Burundi’s civil war. He endured unbearable torture, witnessed mass murder, and literally ran from that horror into a new life.
Today, more than 8,000 miles from Burundi, Gilbert is a retired professional runner and former NCAA All American, as well as a philanthropist, author, and community leader in Austin, where his lives with his wife and daughters. In additional to co-founding the Gazelle Foundation, Gilbert is owner and founder of Gilbert’s Gazelles, one of Austin’s foremost running training groups, and head cross-country and track coach at St. Andrew’s High School. He also serves as a Commissioner of the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission.
While Gilbert’s story includes great tragedy, it is also one of hope and resilience. His story of suffering and faith, his incredible work ethic, and infectious enthusiasm have inspired countless individuals to be the best possible versions of themselves. He is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit, and living proof that one person can make the world a better, more compassionate place.
the MISSION
“Everybody deserves clean water.” -Gilbert Tuhabonye
As Gilbert says, water is the number one issue in Africa. Water is everywhere - but it is not clean. Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world, and the leading cause of death is from preventable, waterborne diseases.
Clean water is the foundation for improved health, better educational opportunities, safer communities, and economic investment. Most of all, it provides hope to a country mostly forgotten by the world.
All Gazelle Foundation water systems provide clean water, free of charge, for life to all community members - regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or religion - with the aim of fostering long-term peace and stability in the region.
OUT OF MANY, ONE: PORTRAITS OF IMMIGRANTS
President George W. Bush’s book, Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants features 43 painted portraits and stories of immigrants to the United States – including our co-founder, Gilbert Tuhabonye. He is included alongside several other illustrious immigrants, from Madeleine Albright to Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Bush family’s housekeeper, Paula Rendón.
Learn more about Gilbert’s inclusion in Bush’s book.
Coach Almost Died in Burundi Genocide — Now He Spreads Hope
The man, the myth, the legend...yes it is Marvel superhero Paul Rudd on the cover, but we know who the real superhero is!
Our co-founder Gilbert Tuhabonye is featured in the Sexiest Man Alive issue and on People TV. The story details Gilbert’s escape from genocide in Burundi, how he lives with faith and joy, and his desire to give clean water to his home country.
See the article here and learn more about how you can help our mission.
This Voice in My heart
In 1993, Gilbert Tuhabonye lay buried under a pile of burning bodies. The centuries–old battle between Africa's Hutu and Tutsi tribes had come to his school. Fueled by hatred, the Hutus forced more than a hundred Tutsi children and teachers into a small room and used machetes to beat most of them to death. The unfortunate ones who survived the beating were doused with gasoline and set on fire. After hiding under burning bodies for over eight hours, Gilbert heard a voice inside saying, "You will be all right; you will survive." He knows it was God speaking to him. This Voice in My Heart portrays these horrific events and Gilbert’s road forward through joy, faith, and forgiveness to personal, professional, and community achievements.
Book Guide
This book guide is offered by the Gazelle Foundation as an opportunity to lead a deeper conversation and to understanding of Gilbert Tuhabonye from competitor to survivor, from college to career to charity, and his passion for running that led to a profession that opened up an opportunity to give back. We hope you use it for yourself or with your book club. This Voice In My Heart is available via U.S. retailers.
Media inquiries for Gilbert Tuhabonye or Gazelle Foundation: please contact Abby Roedel Schlicher.
Speaking engagement and other inquires about Mr. Tuhabonye: please contact for Mr. Tuhabonye's manager Susan Lenihan.