The standing ovation from an appreciative crowd – both before and after the race – wasn't for the swimmer Evans is now. It was for the relentless little dynamo Evans was in 1980s (she won three gold medals at the 1988 Seoul Olympics), and the fearless middle-aged competitor she is today.
"It was so sweet," Evans said. "Afterward was really lovely. … I was actually more nervous than ever before the race. It was very different, just swimming to swim, feeling no pressure, just to be here to enjoy it."
Body willing, Janet Evans will be back later in the week to swim her better event, the 800 freestyle. Nobody expects her to make the Olympic team. Everyone expects her to get another heartfelt ovation from an appreciative audience.