When the Rose Parade takes to the streets of Pasadena, Calif., on Monday, five-time Olympic medalist Janet Evans will serve as a grand marshal alongside two other Olympians who have made history in their sports, Allyson Felix and Greg Louganis.
With 14 Olympic gold medals among them, the three Southern California natives will represent Los Angeles’ bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Evans, the greatest female distance swimmer of her era, is now tasked with helping Los Angeles win the right to host its third Olympic Games.
“The parade choosing Olympians as grand marshals sends a strong message that sport has the power to unify and inspire,” Evans said Saturday in a phone interview to promote the 128th Rose Parade presented by Honda.