'I must have an eight-head & everyone else has a forehead' — Gail Devers on how rivalry with Jamaican legends shaped her

American sprinting icon Gail Devers has opened up about the pivotal role her fierce rivalry with Jamaican greats Merlene Ottey and Juliet Cuthbert played in her development as a legendary sprinter. 

Reflecting on her career, emphasized how the competition pushed her to continually improve and elevate her performance on the track.

In a candid interview with last June, Devers stated, “Always had to bring your A plus, plus, plus. I used to tease people and say ‘Okay, if Merlene can do it, I can do it too.’”

Bolt was accused of showboating when he slowed down near the finish line before thumping his chest on his way to winning his first 100 meter Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.

 This competitive spirit was ignited by facing formidable opponents like Ottey and Cuthbert, who consistently challenged her to be at her best.

Merlene Ottey, regarded as one of the greatest female sprinters, had an illustrious career that spanned over two decades.

 With numerous accolades, including multiple world championships and Olympic appearances, Ottey represented the gold standard in sprinting. Devers described Ottey’s presence on the track as both a challenge and an inspiration.

“She was always an inspiration for me. We had some great competitions over the years. I have always admired her, what she did and how she does it.”

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Juliet Cuthbert, another Jamaican legend, also contributed to the excitement of their encounters. Devers recalled the thrill of competing against these exceptional athletes.

“When you went to Europe, you knew that every two days you would have to meet up with them again, and so it forced you to challenge yourself and figure out what you could do and how much better you could get.”

Devers recounted the intensity of their competitions, noting, “You did not know who was going to win, but you knew it was always going to be great competition.” The camaraderie and respect among the athletes only heightened the stakes, with each race becoming a showcase of talent and resilience.

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Reflecting on her own experiences, Devers added, “They were beasts to run against because if Juliet or Merlene stepped in a race today, I’d be concerned because if they are there, I know they are ready to run.” 

This acknowledgment of their prowess further highlights the high calibre of competition that defined her career.

In the 1992 Summer Olympics, Devers faced off against Cuthbert in a nail-biting 100 m final, narrowly clinching victory in a photo finish. However, her pursuit of a second gold in the 100 m hurdles ended in disappointment when she stumbled over the final hurdle. Yet, these moments only fueled her determination to excel.

Ultimately, Devers credits her fierce rivalry with Ottey and Cuthbert as a vital component of her success.

 “I must have an eight head and everyone else has a forehead,” she quipped, illustrating the mental edge she gained from competing with such esteemed athletes. This rivalry not only shaped her career but also contributed to the excitement and prestige of women’s sprinting as a whole.

As she reflects on her journey, Devers’ words serve as a testament to the power of competition in driving athletes to reach new heights and to the enduring legacy of the legendary sprinters who inspired her along the way.