Gail+Devers

Background Information:

[|Yolanda Gail Devers] was born on Saturday, November 19, 1966 in Seattle, Washington. As a little girl, she moved to National City, California. There she attended Sweetwater High School and graduated with the class of 1984. In high school her main sport was track and field and originally she ran the 800m. Gail was heavily recruited by major universities, but decided to go to UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles). That is where she met [|Bob Kersee], husband and coach of famous track and field star Jackie Joyner-Kersee. She joined their track team where the 100-meter dash and 100-meter hurdles became her top events. She also got her Bachelor's degree in sociology. After college, Gail started her track career with the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea. From that point, Gail became a huge success. She never saw herself as being a professional track runner, she always thought that she would become a teacher. Gail is indorsed by Nike and is an "I Love Lucy Addict".



Family:

Gail comes from a small, well rounded family. Her father, Reverand Larry Devers, is a Baptist pastor while her mother, Alabe, is a teacher's aide. Gail has one brother named Parenthesis (PD for short). Her brother has a son named Pierson. Gail's husband, Mike Phillips, is a major supporter of her and together they have a daughter named Karsen Anise. Karsen Anise was born June 20, 2005 and was 7lbs and 9oz at birth. Gail had to have a C-section because of complications. Their other daughter, Legacy Brielle, was born October 23, 2007.



Influences:

Gail's first major influence was her bother Parenthesis "PD". They used to race each other all the time and PD would always beat her. After he did, he would make fun of her like the typical big brother. Ahe decided there and then that she wan't having it. She parcticed everyday and worked as hard as she could. The next time they raced she beat him and he never wanted to race her again. She decided that running was all that mattered to her. Her basic influences are everybody she runs against and herself. She is always trying to beat her records and pushes herself to do so.



Obstacles:

Gail had severe [|Graves Disease] from 1989-91. The disease is a sever type of hypertension. She went through migraine, vision loss, and fainting spells. No one knew what was wrong with her and she blamed her conditions on her overworking herself. When she finally was diagnosed with the disease, she had to go through radiation and take pills to make her feel better. She reacted to the radiation in a negative way, which resulted in having her feet swollen and cracked that they bled. Doctors said they would have to amputate her feet. At this point Gail felt like this was the end for her but her coach,Bob Kersee, motivated her to stay strong. He said that she had too much God-given talented to give up and she needed to realize this. Gail kept taking the medications perscribed to her and did whatever she had to do to get better. Less than 17 months after the doctors announced the amputation, she was back to training. She is still on medication to control her symptons.

Important Contributions:

The Gail Devers Foundation inspires positive changes in communities everywhere. It provides assaitance to families and individuals in need. The foundation raises money for charities all over the country. It was established in 1999 and provides people with access to health--awareness symposiums, college scholarships and youth-mentoring programs and an opportunity for education, health and community development. [|Gail Devers] has taught people through her actions not to give up no matter what. If you want something bad enough you should go for it and not to let anyone stand in your way. She is living proof that if you set your mind on a goal, it is possible to accomplish it even when the odds are against you.

Connection:

As a person whom I admire, Gail Devers has taught me a lot. She has shown me that anything is possible no matter how big the obstacle in your way is. With faith and hard work perserverance is the only outcome. Like Gail, I've also suffered a lot of injuries running track (none as severe as hers though). Whenever I think about quiting because the pain is too much or because I just don't feel like doing it anymore, all I have to do is think about what Gail went through. If she didn't quit after some doctors told her she might never walk again, then I refuse to quit. I want to be female that some little girl looks up to one day and because of that, quitting is not an option.

[|Career Highlights] :

2004 - Won 10th national championship in 100H at US Olympic trials - Became 3rd American athlete in history to make 5 Olympic track and field teams - 1st American in history to win both 60m and 60H at USATF Indoor T&amp;F Championship 2003 - World indoor 60H champion - 1st place US Outdoors 100H - Ranked #1 in the world at 100H 2002 - USA Outdoors 100H champion - Won 100H at World Cup - Ranked #1 in the wolrd at 100H 2001 - Ranked #1 in the world at 100H - 1st place 100H at Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia 2000 - Wins 100H at US Olympic trails in Sacremento, CA setting a new American record (12.33)4th fastest in event ever 1999 - USATF's Humanitarian Athlete of the Year - World champion in 100H in Seville, Spain (New Record: 12.37) - Anchor on winning 4x100 at World Championships



Bibliography:

"Athlete Bio:Gail Devers". USCOS. February 22, 2008 . Gale, Thomas. "Gail Devers Biography". Sports Star. February 22,2008 . " Gail Devers - Biography". Net Glimpse. February 21, 2008 .