The former Olympian isn’t just one of the most decorated track and field athletes of all time she’s also one of the most inspiring figures in sports. Her journey is defined not only by her victories but by the incredible challenges she overcame throughout her career.
Gail Devers, recognized for her signature long and colorful nails, was synonymous with winning. She amassed an impressive collection of medals, including three Olympic golds, five World Championship golds, four World Indoor Championship medals, and two Pan American golds. She remains the last American woman to win Olympic gold in the 100m, successfully defending her 1992 title in Barcelona with another victory in Atlanta in 1996.
What makes Devers’ success even more remarkable is that she was battling a debilitating, undiagnosed illness while achieving these feats. She first noticed symptoms while at UCLA in the 1980s—constant hand tremors, extreme fatigue, vision problems, and severe weight loss. Doctors were unable to determine the cause, leaving her feeling helpless. Her condition worsened to the point where she avoided mirrors, covering them with black sheets to avoid seeing her deteriorating reflection.
After more than three years of uncertainty, a specialist finally diagnosed Devers with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid. Despite the hardships, she resumed training just in time to qualify for the 1992 Olympics, where she won gold in the 100m. Even after her diagnosis, symptoms persisted, including blurry vision that made hurdling incredibly difficult.
For three decades, Devers assumed these lingering issues were just part of Graves’ disease, until she was diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a rare condition that can cause pain, swelling, and even vision loss.
Through it all, Devers remained resilient. Now, she’s dedicated to raising awareness and helping others advocate for their health. “I don’t want anyone to go through what I did,” she said.
While names like Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and Kevin Durant are often mentioned among America’s greatest Olympians, Devers’ name deserves just as much recognition for both her dominance on the track and her perseverance off it.
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