12. Misty May
Misty might perform at her best on the Olympic track, but she suffers hugely with nasal allergies. She even has her own device that helps her to breathe!
The professional beach volleyball player is won three Olympic gold medals and is considered to be the most successful female beach volleyball player of all times. However Misty, who has an astounding total of 112 championships won and is now retired, had to fight continuously one major difficulty in her career – severe allergies.
Misty had a particularly hard time with her allergies in Beijing, because of the smog that combined with pollen caused major difficulties for her breathing. After that, she partnered with Teva Respiratory in a campaign to raise awareness about allergic rhinitis and its impact on overall health. She insists that allergy sufferers have to take the matter in their own hands and check pollen counts, weather reports and consult their physicians or regular basis.