Janet Evans is an American swimmer considered by many as the greatest distance freestyler of all time. She was the first swimmer in history to win back-to-back Olympic and World Championship titles in the same event, the 800-meter freestyle. She is renowned for her unorthodox "windmill" stroke, inexhaustible cardio-respiratory reserves, and overall dedication to the sport. Dedication that she has also proven out of the pool, when she retired from swimming and made a name for herself as a commercial spokesperson, author, mother, and reality television personality.

“While we are here we should set goals and achieve them, make the best of things, make others feel good about themselves, and be happy with what we are and what we are doing,” she once said.

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Born in California in 1971, Evans was an innate swimmer. At only 15, she broke world records in the 400m, 800m, and the 1500m freestyle events at the U.S. National Championships. In 1988, before turning 18, she brought home three Olympic gold medals after competing as part of the U.S. Olympic Team in Seoul. In 1992, in Barcelona, she again captured gold in the 800m freestyle and added a silver in the 400m freestyle. She finally ended her short but remarkable career at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, having earned an impressive collection of accolades including four Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver medal, 45 American national titles, and a few world records.

Nevertheless, after 15 years out of the water, her dedication once again made waves with a comeback attempt at the 2012 Olympic Trials, at the age 40. In the end, this return to competition was more about finding satisfaction in herself and closing a chapter of her life on her own terms.

The second act she embarked on has included motivational speaking at engagements, appearing on television, becoming a mom of two, and being corporate spokesperson for brands such as Speedo, Campbell's, and Cadillac. In 2007, she also published a book called Janet Evans’ Total Swimming, offering fitness workouts and insight on proper swim technique.

Evans has always put forth her best effort, succeeds in whatever she puts her mind to, and gives back to the sport that has shaped her into who she is. As the Chief Athlete Officer for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games organizing committee, she has shown that she has no plans to end her lifetime dedication to athletics.