Brad Barket

Janet Evans in NYC during a taping of the NBC Today Show

02/09/10

Janet Evans still looks like she could win an Olympic medal - and with two kids, she’s halfway to having an Olympic relay! She talks about her home life, a comeback (or lack there of), and what she thinks about pro swimming in this week’s 20 Question Tuesday.

1) First things first: How are you?
Janet: Well, I am great, thank you. I had a baby boy on my birthday, Aug. 28. Jake Thomas. He’s five months. He’s awesome. I’m loving motherhood. It’s a lot of work with two.

2) So two more for the relay?
Janet: No! I am done with two. I am done. That’s it for me. I got one of each (girl and boy). I’m, very happy. It’s very busy. Being a mom is (laughs) harder than training for the Olympics. But I am enjoying it.

3) You see the women out there training at Fullerton?
Janet: I do, and they are all wonderful. Katie Hoff and Caroline Burckle are out here training. They always offer, “Let us babysit.” I am like, “Are you sure you want to do this?” I’m going to take them up on the offer one of these days!

4) All the records broken during the fast suit era - is that behind us?
Janet: The last couple of years were rough. I hope things are back on track. It was hard to watch. For me, it took away the meaning of a world record because they fell with such frequency, and with such great time blocks. It used to be such a big deal to break a world record - it wasn’t that frequent. It took away the importance of a world record. For me, as a huge devotee of the sport and someone who loved the history, it was hard to watch.

5) How so?
Janet:  I feel like it took away from at least some of the hard work. The reason I was good was because I worked hard, not because I was just faster than the person next to me.

6) Did you swim while you were pregnant?
Janet: Oh yes. Anyone will tell you that swimming feels good when you are pregnant. I love swimming - that’ my solitude - my Janet time. But no comeback for me! I don’t think the people I swim with even recognize me - I’m so slow, they probably take a glance and think, “No way, that can’t be Janet.”

7) Who do you like for 2012?
Janet: That’s a hard question to answer. It so far away. I can’t wait to see what a whole bunch of amazing people are going to do!

8) You are still out there a lot though, aren’t you?
Janet: I am doing some clinics. I am coming from a speech where everyone said, "You ought to write a book." So I’m doing some clinics and some motivational work. The speeches keep me busy. I just like getting out, and seeing the kids - it’s so nice to give back to the sport and talk to them about swimming.

9) Who is a current female swimmer you are impressed with?
Janet: A female swimmer I am impressed with right now. I have to be honest with you, it’s kind of the same question as with 2012 - we have to really wait, to let the chips fall where they may. The swimmer I am the most proud of right now is Katie Hoff.

10) Agreed, she is strong and has shown class. What impresses you about her?
Janet: She has done a great job for herself coming to California, and getting done what needs to be done. I have been in her shoes in terms of not being so motivated. She took the initiative to make a change in her career. She seems happy.

11) You can relate to her?
Janet:  I had a lot of tough times. The 1992 Olympics were very much the low point of my career. Personally I was not very happy. Anything but winning a gold medal was a disappointment. It took some maturity to realize it’s not just about winning, but being happy with yourself and doing the best you can, and taking steps to make sure you are competing at your best. That’s why I am proud of Katie, I can relate to what she has been through. I’m proud of her taking that initiative, because we need her in our sport.

12) Natalie Coughlin did really well on Dancing with the Stars – how would you do on that?
Janet: Oh my gosh, I have two left feet. I did that celebrity circus. When you are a water baby like me, swimming keeps you of the stuff (laughs) that “normal” people get to do - and I don’t have the coordination!

13) Have you thought about coming back to try open water?
Janet: You know… Funny story, my husband asked me a while back, “Are you ever going to make a comback.” I said, “If they ever put the 10k in the Olympics, I will make a comeback.” We’re married two years, and my husband said, “I just read FINA got the 10k in the Olympics, when are you making that comeback?” I was like, “Well, I don’t think there’s a comeback.”

14) But you SAID…
Janet: I said (laughs) it really tongue in cheek, like, “I’ll make a comeback for you, Honey.” He still teases me about that, “You promised me you’d …”

15) Dara makes it look pretty easy - even though it’s a lot of work - doesn’t she?
Janet: I mean, I think what Dara has done is incredible. She’ll be back by 2012, I have no doubt about that.

16) Two little ones though - it’s not like you are slacking. That has to be one of the most important, yet hardest “job” in the world.
Janet: It is the hardest job in the world, hands down. It is 24/7 - I was up at 4 am last night with Jake. I thought I could go to morning practice, but I rocked my baby back to sleep. But, it’s also - hands down - the most rewarding experience of my life. But any parent would say that. Hands down, this is the greatest thing I’ve ever done.

17) Do you stay in touch with your amazing former teammates?
Janet: Oh gosh, I had so many great ones - Tom Dolan, Jenny Thompson, Crissy Ahmann-Leighton, Nicole Haislett, and just so many more. Plus I stay in touch with Angel Martino, Mary T., Pablo, Jill Sterkel, Matt Biondi, and I am leaving so many more out - all the people I got to watch in 1984, who I got to swim with in 1988.

18) Is the economy making it a hard time for pro swimmers?
Janet: Yes, but it’s better than when I was swam. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the support from everywhere was minimal. It is getting better. The sponsorship right now is a sign of the times - it was much better a few years ago. And there are more opportunities now than my teammates and I ever had - the majority of swimmers when I swam didn’t make a dime. But hey, I am proud of the support I had.

19) You never let it go to your head - all the success - how did you always stay “the girl next door”?
Janet: I know, but it’s like… my parents were always like, “You’re a great swimmer but you still have to do your chores.” The fact that you were good at something didn’t make you special or different in our family. I gave a speech late this past summer, and I had to hurry back home for the kids… being a mom is humbling and keeps me grounded!

20) You've inspired so many people - over the better part of a decade of doing 20 Question Tuesdays, I can’t remember how many called you their role model. What do those comments mean to you?
Janet: I hope I inspired people in some ways to be a part of our sport. I hope I inspired them to know that as long as they do their best, they will be a champion. I still hope to instill that in others. Not everyone will be an Olympic swimmer, but to be in the sport is still incredible. And for me, being able to inspire people is better than winning a gold medal.