Gail Devers

Keynote Speaker | Olympic Gold Medalist & Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Patient Advocate

GAIL DEVERS is a five-time Olympian, nine-time World Champion and three-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field who was one of the fastest women alive for almost two decades. Amid this unprecedented feat, Devers has also been living with Graves’ disease and symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) for more than 30 years. After a harrowing two-and-a-half-year quest for answers about her health, Devers was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in 1990, just two years before winning her first Olympic gold medal. Her journey back to the track was nothing short of spectacular, especially after overcoming near career-ending symptoms, including extreme weight loss, fatigue, and insomnia. Devers also experienced symptoms of TED including eye pain, dryness, irritation, and bulging eyes. In a decorated 25-year track career that followed, Devers has been recognized as an American sporting icon. By winning back-to-back 100m Olympic gold medals, and three World Championships in 100m hurdles, Devers cemented herself as one of the most dominant female sprinters of our time. She has since been inducted into both the National Track and Field and the United States Olympic Halls of Fame. Today, Devers enjoys volunteering and giving back to the community through organizations that include The Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Atlanta Track Club. She also coaches hurdles for her daughter’s high school track team, mentors world-class athletes, and loves spending time with her family, two dogs, and their rabbit.