(Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
Olympic gold medalist swimmer Janet Evans is attempting a comeback at 40-years-old. At only 5’6″ and barely over 100lbs, Evans was a titan in the water. During her career she held world records in the 400m, 800m, and 1500m events as well as becoming the first US woman to repeat both world and Olympic titles in any distance.
But after the 1996 Olympics, in which Evans failed to medal, the swimming star decided to leave her sport behind and move on with her life. She became a mother, an author, and a motivational speaker.
But as so many athletes can tell you, once you taste greatness it’s hard to give it up and Evans is giving it one more try to return to the world stage. The mother of two is back to her old routine, training five hours per day in her quest to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London and she recently passed her first test, qualifying for the USA Swimming Olympic Trials taking place in June.
It’s amazing that Evans is attempting this comeback 16 years after her last Olympic attempt, but just how amazing? Maybe this can help put things into perspective:
Five things that were happening when Janet Evans Last competed in the Olympics:
Bill Clinton Was Still In His First Term.
ER Was The #1 Show – Starring George Clooney!
This Was On The Radio:
Things were being completed:
And of course, a 24-year-old, 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist named Janet Evans carried the Olympic flame in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Games before giving it to Muhammed Ali.
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