By Enefiok Udo-Obong
Lee Edward Evans was laid to rest in his adopted home of Wasimi, Abeokuta last week. It was such a humbling end to the life and illustrious career of one of the greatest athletes to have ever lived and probably the greatest quarter-miler of the last century. A dear friend of mine and I have waited till after his burial to eulogize the great man.
Evans was an American sprinter. He won two gold medals in the 1968 Summer Olympics, setting world records in the 400 meters and the 4 × 400 meters relay, both of which stood for 20 and 24 years respectively. Evans co-founded the Olympic Project for Human Rights and was part of the athlete’s boycott and the Black Power movement of 1968.