U.S. Olympians Janet Evans, Greg Louganis, and Allyson Felix have been selected as the grand marshals for the 128th Rose Parade. The parade, which will feature an “Echoes of Success” theme, will take place on January 2nd, 2017 in Pasadena, California.
Evans established her legacy in swimming based on her talent in the distance freestyle events. She first broke on to the scene when she was just 15 years old, setting World Records in the 400 free, 800 free, and 1500 free in 1987. She then went on to earn 4 Olympic Gold medals from the 1988 and 1992 Olympics. Throughout her career, Evans broke 7 World Records. For over 5 years, she went undefeated in all 3 distance freestyle races.
Louganis is widely known for his international success as a diver. He was a a 3-time U.S. Olympian, warning a spot on the USA’s Olympic Diving Team in 1974, 1984, and 1988. He won his first Olympic medal in 1976, taking silver in the 10m platform event in Montreal. He returned to the Olympic stage in 1984 and 1988, winning gold in the 3m springboard and 10m platform at back-to-back Olympic Games. Louganis will also be the first-ever openly gay Grand Marshal.