U.S. Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin has been named the grand marshal of the Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade, event organizers announced Thursday.
↵Franklin joins other former Olympic medal winners Charles Barkley, ice skater Kristi Yamaguchi, softball player Jennie Finch and gymnast Keri Strug in being named grand marshal.
↵"We are thrilled to have Missy Franklin serve as this year's Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade Grand Marshal," Fiesta Bowl Chairman of the Board Steve Whiteman said in a press release. "Missy's dedication to her sport and her performance in the classroom make her an inspiration to all young student-athletes around the world. She is an ideal person to lead our Parade."
↵Franklin won four gold medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, winning the 100 and 200 meter backstroke events in individual competition, and was part of the gold medal-winning 4x100 medley and 4x200 freestyle relay teams. She also took home a bronze as part of the 4x100 freestyle relay team.
↵Along with grand marshal duties, she was be a special guest at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, in Phoenix.