Late Lee Evans, the US sprinter who set records and won Olympic medals, has died at the age of 74. USA Track and Field confirmed the news of his passing.
Evans had a stroke while coaching track racing in Nigeria last week. Reports from the San Jose Mercury News revealed that his family initiated a fundraiser to bring him back to the US for medical treatment.
Beginning as a standout athlete in college sports, Evans was a part of the ‘Speed City’ squad in San Jose. He later represented the US in the Olympics and shattered the world record in the 400m race in Mexico City in 1968, clocking in at 43.86 seconds. During his time in Mexico, he stood alongside fellow athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos, both of whom were expelled from the Games for their podium protest against racial discrimination in America.
Evans was actively involved in advocating against social injustices and showed solidarity with the Black Panther Party by wearing a black beret during his medal ceremony. He joined the Olympic Project for Human Rights, an organization that played a role in orchestrating the 1968 demonstrations.
Following his retirement from professional athletics, Evans worked with the United Nations (UN) in Africa and coached track teams in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
