Gail Devers

Most people acknowledge Devers's extraordinary comeback from Graves' disease, which sports commentators often discuss even more than her three Olympic gold medals. Since 1991 when she returned to competition, however, Devers has consistently proven that, while her illness and subsequent comeback is compelling and even miraculous, it is only a small testament to her greatness as a sports figure. Devers has not only returned to her pre-disease state of athletic fitness, she has surpassed it, again and again, sometimes breaking her own records in the process. Paradoxically, she just keeps on improving as she gets older. Now in her mid-thirties, the time when many professional track-and-field athletes start to consider retirement, Devers continues to compete and is stronger than ever. How long will Devers remain competitive? If she continues to push her body to its limits, using the same mind-over-matter willpower that helped her battle Graves' disease, there's no telling how long she may compete. One thing's for certain, though: Devers is already a legend. And until the day arrives when she launches out of the starting blocks for the last time, Devers's competitors will know not to make the mistake of underestimating her abilities or determination.