Janet Evans and Lonnie Ali recall iconic 1996 Olympic moments
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 2:37 PM
Last updated Sep 29, 2026
Janet Evans and Lonnie Ali reflected on the emotional 1996 Olympic opening ceremony, where Muhammad Ali lit the cauldron. Evans, then 24, carried the torch to the cauldron, unaware that Ali would join her. This moment is revered as a significant surprise and an emotional highlight of the Olympics. With the 2028 Games approaching in Los Angeles, Evans now serves as the LA28 chief athlete officer, promoting the upcoming Olympic torch relay.
- •Evans was chosen to carry the torch during the ceremony.
- •Muhammad Ali appeared unexpectedly to light the Olympic cauldron.
- •The event created a lasting emotional impact on many attendees.
- •Evans describes the moment as the greatest of her Olympic career.
- •The 2028 torch relay will begin in Atlanta and visit all 50 states.
- 2:37 PMYahoo Sports — Muhammad Ali was the Olympics' best-kept secret. 30 years later, the women who knew remember the gasp
"Olympic swimming legend Janet Evans and Muhammad Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, reunite and remember that Olympic moment as if it happened only a few hours ago.
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