Janet Evans

Small in stature and armed with an unorthodox windmill stroke, Janet Evans never looked like a swimmer destined for greatness. But from an early age, she committed to one principle above all else: showing up with purpose and belief. At the 1988 Olympics, facing some of the most physically imposing athletes in the world, she delivered her own David-and-Goliath moment, winning three gold medals in one of the most dominant performances in Olympic history. She was just 17.

For the next eight years, Janet remained among the best in the world, experiencing victory, defeat, and growth through two more Olympic Games. Her journey reached a defining milestone at the Opening Ceremony of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where she joined Muhammad Ali in lighting the Olympic flame, an iconic moment in sports history. It was there that she discovered the most profound and lasting lesson of her Olympic career, a lesson she now shares in her keynote, Reflections in the Pool– Four Decades of Olympic Life Lessons.

Today, Janet’s Olympic journey continues. As Chief Athlete Officer for the LA 2028 Olympic Organizing Committee, she oversees the experience of more than 15,000 athletes and coaches from around the world who will participate in the LA Olympic & Paralympic Games. One of the highest-ranking women in global sport, Janet is still shaping her legacy— not only as a four-time Olympic champion, but as a leader defining the future of the Olympic movement.