A new episode of ESPN E60 documents the miraculous return of University of Southern California women’s player, Aaliyah Gayles, who was shot multiple times and spent more than a year rehabilitating after bullets burrowed through her arms and legs, leaving 18 holes in her body.
In this new half-hour feature, Gayle sits with reporter, Katie Barnes, as she recalls the night in April of 2022 that changed her life. She also spotlights her journey to regain what was taken from her and how she defied the odds.
Viewers of the episode can expect to see video and pictures from the emergency surgery that saved all of Gayle’s limbs and her long path to recovery. When the incident happened, Gayles had not officially signed to play collegiately, but USC, her top choice, decided to offer her a scholarship. She spent months in a rehab facility, regaining her strength and learning how to walk. While her body was affected, her dream to play basketball only grew. Gayles would relentlessly rehab during the 2022-2023 season and was cleared to play ahead of this current season.
Aaliyah Gayles’ parents, her father Dwight Gayles, and mother Malkia Lockett, are a large part of the storytelling, recounting their memories of the night of the shooting and their roles in their daughter’s comeback.
Among others interviewed in the feature:
Dr. Allison McNickle – surgeon, University Medical Center, Las Vegas, NV
Lindsay Gottlieb – USC women’s head basketball coach
Erin Tillman – USC athletic trainer
JuJu Watkins, Rayah Marshall – USC women’s basketball team members
Only the Strong Survive was directed by Jason Kostura.
After the initial airing, in addition to being available on ESPN+, the program will re-air multiple times on ESPN networks.
