In 1968, Lee Evans Followed Olympics Protest With His Own

Lee Evans, the record-setting sprinter who wore a black beret in a sign of protest at the 1968 Olympics and then went on to a life of humanitarian work in support of social justice, died Wednesday. He was 74. The San Jose Mercury News reported that Evans' family had started a fundraiser in hopes of bringing him back to the US from Nigeria, where he coached track, to receive medical care after he suffered a stroke last week. Evans became the first man to crack 44 seconds in the 400 meters, winning the gold medal at the Mexico City Games in 43.86. His victory came shortly after his teammates, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, were sent home from the Olympics for raising their fists on the medals stand. In later interviews, the AP reports, Evans said an official warned him not do anything similar. He took a different approach, wearing a black beret to show support for the Black Panther Party and other civil rights organizations.

"Lee Evans was one of the greatest athletes and social justice advocates in an era that produced a generation of such courageous, committed, and contributing athlete-activists," said Harry Edwards, architect of the Olympic Project for Human Rights, of which Evans was a key member. Like Smith and Carlos, Evans was a star on the San Jose State "Speed City" teams. And like them, he earned his platform at the Mexico City Games with an indelible performance. After running his 43.86 in the 400, Evans anchored the US 1,600 relay team to a world record of 2:56.16. The 400 record stood until 1988. The relay record stood until 1992. Evans is in the USATF and US Olympic halls of fame. Later, he coached at Washington, San Jose State, and South Alabama, and was director of athletics for the Special Olympics. San Jose State said he coached national teams for Qatar, Cameroon, and Nigeria. The school said Evans received the 1991 Nelson Mandela Award for those who "stood for the values of equality and friendship and respect of human rights, against apartheid and any form of racism."

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