Janet Beth Evans is an American former competition swimmer who swam from 1989 to 1992 for Stanford University and specialized in distance freestyle events. Evans was a world champion and world record-holder, and won a total of four gold medals in the 400 and 800-meter freestyle events at the 1988 and the 1992 Olympics. In the late 1980s Evans was the first woman to hold three world records simultaneously in the 400, 800, and 1500-meter freestyle and was the first American woman to win four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming.
American Janet Evans swims the women's 800 m freestyle world record of 8:16.22 at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo
American Janet Evans swims the women's 800 m freestyle world record of 8:16.22 at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo, Japan
Historical Significance
Janet Beth Evans is an American former competition swimmer who swam from 1989 to 1992 for Stanford University and specialized in distance freestyle events.
Events Before
Czech-born tennis star Hana Mandlíková becomes an Australian Citizen
Czech-born tennis star Hana Mandlíková becomes an Australian Citizen
English Earl of St Andrews George Windsor marries Canadian academic Sylvana Tomaselli
English Earl of St Andrews George Windsor marries Canadian academic Sylvana Tomaselli
Panamanian General Manuel Noriega is indicted by a US federal grand jury for drug trafficking and racketeering
Manuel Antonio Noriega Moreno was a Panamanian military officer and politician who was the de facto ruler of Panama from 1983 to 1989.
The Soviet Union begins withdrawing its 115,000 troops from Afghanistan
The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, later known as the Republic of Afghanistan, was the Afghan state from 1978 to 1992.
Britain's Parliament passes Section 28 as law prohibiting the promotion of homosexuality. Repealed in 2001/2004.
Section 28 refers to a part of the Local Government Act 1988, which stated that local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales "shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material...
Events After
Alan Hale Jr. dies
Alan Hale Jr., American actor, known for american actor, died on 1990-01-02. Alan Hale Jr. was an American actor and restaurateur.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (41) divorces singer/dancer Sarah Brightman (29) after almost 7 years of marriage
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (41) divorces singer/dancer Sarah Brightman (29) after almost 7 years of marriage
NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage
NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage
John McEnroe becomes the first player to be expelled from the Australian Open
John McEnroe becomes the first player to be expelled from the Australian Open
Actor Michael Keaton (38) divorces actress Caroline McWilliams (44) after 7 years of marriage
Actor Michael Keaton (38) divorces actress Caroline McWilliams (44) after 7 years of marriage
More from the 1980s
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall falls as East Germany opens its borders, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the beginning of German reunification.
politics governmentwars conflicts
Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
The Space Shuttle Challenger breaks apart 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members in one of the most devastating disasters in space exploration history.
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The "Epic in Miami," played in 85°F heat, sees the San Diego Chargers defeat the Miami Dolphins 41-38 in overtime in the
The "Epic in Miami," played in 85°F heat, sees the San Diego Chargers defeat the Miami Dolphins 41-38 in overtime in the AFC Divisional Playoff, setting numerous playoff scoring records
death
Bill Veeck dies
Bill Veeck baseball executive, known for american baseball executive, died on 1986-01-02. William Louis Veeck Jr.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 20, 1989?
- Janet Beth Evans is an American former competition swimmer who swam from 1989 to 1992 for Stanford University and specialized in distance freestyle events. Evans was a world champion and world record-holder, and won a total of four gold medals in the 400 and 800-meter freestyle events at the 1988 and the 1992 Olympics. In the late 1980s Evans was the first woman to hold three world records simultaneously in the 400, 800, and 1500-meter freestyle and was the first American woman to win four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming.
- Why is American Janet Evans swims the women's 800 m freestyle world record of 8:16.2... significant?
- Janet Beth Evans is an American former competition swimmer who swam from 1989 to 1992 for Stanford University and specialized in distance freestyle events.