If you blink, you might just miss Gail Devers at this month’s Prefontaine Classic on Hayward Field.
But don’t worry: If you miss her, you’ll get another chance to see her at the USA Track and Field Championships in Eugene this June.
Devers, America’s record-holder in the 100-meter hurdles, will compete in Eugene twice this summer, joining Marion Jones as the two premier athletes to compete on the women’s side of the Pre Classic and USA Championships.
The 34-year-old Devers is starting her run at a fifth individual World Championship gold medal in Eugene. Devers has won two Olympic golds — both in the 100 — in 1992 and 1996.
“Gail plans to open her season at the Pre Classic,” said Gregory Foster, Devers’ agent. “At this point, she plans to run both the 100 hurdles and 100 meters at various times this season.”
Devers will compete in the 100 hurdles at the Pre Classic, an event which features some of the world’s best hurdlers.
America’s Melissa Morrison may be Devers’ toughest competition at the Pre Classic. Morrison is ranked fourth in the world and took the bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics last year. Jamaica’s Delloreen Ennis-London finished fourth in Sydney, while fellow Jamaican Michelle Freeman, ranked sixth in the world, will also compete.
Devers had planned to compete in Sydney. However, after breaking her own American record with a 12.33 at the Olympic Trials, Devers pulled out of the Olympic semifinals with a hamstring injury. The Pre Classic will be her first meet since the Olympics.
The Pre Classic will be only the tip of Devers’ 2001 season.
“She’ll do a meet or two before nationals, then several Golden League meets before the World Championships,” Foster said.
The Prefontaine Classic takes place May 27 on Hayward Field.