Gail Devers has been one of the biggest names in the track and field community. Unfortunately, despite all her accomplishments, the one thing she would be popularly remembered for is not something pleasant. Competing in the 1992 Olympic games, Devers was the firm favorite competing in the 100 m hurdles finals. Resuming training after her health complications, the American athlete made a thumping comeback at the 1991 Worlds. 

Participating in her favorite category, the 100m hurdles, Devers clinched the silver medal. However, once she was in the Olympics, few doubted her dominance. Devers was looking set to clinch her second Olympic gold medal. And then tragedy decided to take over. At the fast end of the race, Devers hit the last hurdle and came crashing down on the floor. This cost her the medal as Greece’s Voula Patoulidou picked up the victory. 

Several years have passed since then. But wherever Devers goes, her famous fall is a matter for discussion. Similarly, in her recent ‘Tidal League’ podcast appearance, the Olympic legend reflected on her fall. Speaking about her mindset, Gail Devers told Justin Gatlin, “When I fell over that hurdle, I did my best. I was trying to get to the finish line. Now next time, maybe it’ll be on my feet, but I’ll take it to my grave… And I have no regrets. That fall made me get up and go again.”

Surely, Devers did make a thumping comeback. Competing in the 1993 Worlds, the Americans won two World Championship golds while winning two more Olympic golds in the 1996 games. And now, the legend passes on her learnings to the upcoming generation. Devers now teaches young athletes to give their best efforts in whatever they do. 

The Olympic gold medalist further explained that what people said did not matter. At the end of the day, one must look into the mirror and ask whether the effort given was 100%. And if the answer is ‘yes’, then that’s all the athlete needs.

Devers said, “Everybody can’t own the company. Everybody can’t make all the money. Everybody can’t come across the finish line in first place, but everybody can be a winner by your efforts.” Truly, Gail Devers’ words would be helping the young generation of athletes to take away some valuable lessons. However, her fall was not the only setback in her life.

Gail Devers had an acute health complication

Gail Devers got the shocking news that threatened to derail her prospering career. Just a year after the Olympics, Devers was diagnosed with a health complication known as Graves’ disease. According to reports, the condition is an auto-immune disease affecting the thyroid gland significantly. Soon, Devers started to experience extreme migraines and major loss. The American athlete ran the Olympics with impaired vision, which further adds to the legendary status. 

Unfortunately, while in recovery, Devers stated that she could not feel her legs during practice. Resorting to radiation therapy, the Olympian experienced blisters and numbness in her feet. Thankfully, she had Bob Kersee as her coach. Pushing Devers through the pain, Kersee stated, “Can you feel your arms? Well then, tell your feet to keep up, okay?”

Well, Devers did abide by the suggestion, and the rest is history. Thus, being a shining example of grit and determination, Gail Devers is truly a legend who is enriching the lives of future generations at present.