Janet Evans, Olympian and LA2028 Organizing Committee member, was recognized for leadership in the sports industry.
On November 8, WISE (Women in Sports and Events) Los Angeles honored three women with its 2017 Women of Inspiration Award. Janet Evans, Olympic swimmer and organizing committee member for the 2028 Games, Valorie Kondos Field, head coach for UCLA Women’s Gymnastics, and Christine Simmons, president and chief operations officer for Los Angeles Sparks, were recognized at a gala, which took place at TAO in Los Angeles.
Janet Evans is a four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and known as one of the greatest female distance swimmers in history. These days, her achievements stretch beyond the pool as she has taken on leadership roles in the sports world. In 2015, Evans was selected to be the main athlete voice for the Los Angeles 2024 Olympic bid. She continues to hold this role in the LA2028 Organizing Committee, working to create the best experience for athletes at the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“These remarkable women have made a huge impact in the sports industry at large through their hard work and achievements, and we are proud to recognize their efforts as this year’s honorees,” said Shelley Taniguchi, president of WISE Los Angeles.
In addition to receiving the award, the women will also become members of the WISE Los Angeles Advisory Board Committee for 2018. WISE serves as a resource for women in the sports business, offering members networking, mentoring, and other tools to advance their careers. As board members, the honorees will provide guidance for the growth and direction of the Los Angeles Chapter.
