Janet Evans is a former competitive swimmer who would mainly compete in distance freestyle events. She is a world record holder and has earned four gold medals at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics. Evans was born in Fullerton, California where she began swimming competitively at a young age and instantly started setting records. After attending Stanford University and swimming for their team for 3 years but then quit after the NCAA placed weekly limits on athletic training. Her stroke was infamous for it’s “windmill” look and ultimately earned her numerous accolades and awards. After setting the world record in the 800-meter freestyle, it stood unbroken for four Olympic games, making it one of the longest-standing records ever in swimming history. At her last Olympics appearance in 1996, although she did not win any medals, she was given the honor of carrying the Olympic torch in the opening ceremony. In 2001, she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame as an “Honor Swimmer.”

The reason I chose Janet Evans as the Flashback Athlete of the Month is because as a swimmer, I have always followed swimming legends by watching old Olympics videos. Janet Evan’s was a name I stumbled upon more than once and always enjoyed her thrilling races and interesting stroke technique. I have always dreamed of competing in a more competitive nature rather than just in college. Janet is an inspiration to the swimming community and even after her competitive swimming career in the Olympics, continued to serve as Vice-Chair and Athletic director for the Los Angeles 2024 Olympic bid committee.