Janet Evans

Janet Evans is an American former competitive swimmer, born on August 28, 1971, in Fullerton, California. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female distance swimmers of all time. Evans began her professional career at an early age and set world records in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle events.

Evans is known for her endurance, efficient technique, and exceptional ability to maintain speed over long distances. She has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, including the world records in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle events for many years.

Off the pool, Evans is also recognized for her philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Youth and Early Career: Evans was born and raised in California and showed great promise as a swimmer from a young age. She made her big splash in the swimming world in 1987 when she set world records in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle events at just 15 years old.

Olympic Career

• Early Success: Evans made her Olympic debut in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she won three gold medals and set a new world record in the 400m freestyle event. She continued her success in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, adding another gold and a silver to her collection.

Post-Olympic Career

• After her successful Olympic career, Evans retired from competitive swimming in 1996 but returned to the pool to attempt a comeback for the 2012 London Olympics. Although she did not qualify for the Olympic team, her attempt at the age of 40 demonstrated her enduring passion for the sport.

USA National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the USA National Team in 1987.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Four gold medals and one silver medal across 1988 and 1992 Olympics.
• World Records: Held world records in 400m, 800m, and 1500m freestyle for many years.
• Evans is one of the most decorated female swimmers in the history of the sport.

• Style: Primarily a distance freestyle swimmer, known for her efficient technique and extraordinary endurance.
• Skills: Known for her ability to maintain speed over long distances and her remarkable stamina. Evans is celebrated for her unique 'windmill' stroke, which was key to her success.

• Family: Evans is married to Billy Willson and they have two children together.
• Philanthropy: Evans is involved in various charitable activities, particularly those related to promoting swimming and water safety.

• Janet Evans is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her enduring impact on the sport of swimming. Her accomplishments in the pool and her efforts to promote the sport and water safety have inspired countless swimmers worldwide.

World Records:

• 400m freestyle: 4:03.85 (set in 1988, stood until 2006)

800m freestyle:

• 8:16.22 (set in 1989, stood until 2008)

1500m freestyle:

• 15:52.10 (set in 1988, stood until 2007)

Olympic Medals:

• Four gold medals and one silver medal

Books

• Evans, J. (1999) Janet Evans' Total Swimming. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Websites

• USA Swimming: Information about Janet Evans’ international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.usaswimming.org
• Olympic.org: Details about Evans’ career at the Olympic Games. Available at: https://www.olympic.org

Articles

• Swimming World Magazine: Janet Evans’ career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Janet Evans: Olympic Swimmer (2012): Directed by Shaun Silva. This documentary provides a detailed look at Evans’ life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.