Olympic gold-medal winning swimmer Missy Franklin has been named Grand Marshal of the 2012 Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade.

Franklin will also be a special guest at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 3, 2013, where will she take part in pre-game activities, including the coin toss.

“I have always loved college football, and I am looking forward to participating in this great community event, along with my family,” Franklin said in a statement.

“It is an honor to join a list of U.S. Olympians who have been a part of the Fiesta Bowl Parade.”

Franklin, 17, from Aurora, Colo., won five medals at the London Olympics, four of them gold, and set a world record in the 200-meter breaststroke.

Other Olympians who have served as grand marshal include former NBA star Charles Barkley, ice skater Kristi Yamaguchi and
University of Arizona softball pitcher Jennie Finch and gymnast Keri Strug.

“We are thrilled to have Missy Franklin serve as this year’s Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade Grand Marshal,” said bowl Chairman of the Board Steve Whiteman in a statement.

“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.”