At the 1999 Pan American Games in WinnipegManitoba, Atkinson was a three-time silver medalist, finishing third in each of the 200-, 400- and 800-metre freestyle events.

Contrary to popular belief, Janelle is not related to Alia Atkinson who coincidentally is also a Jamaican swimmer.

[4] For the four years prior to accepting the UConn job, she served as an assistant swimming coach at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

[4] She also served as the head coach of the Jamaican women's national team at the 2009 World Aquatics Championships.

[4] In 2017, Atkinson was named the head coach of the Stony Brook University swimming and diving team.