Lee Evans

Event: 400m

Inducted to Hall of Fame: 1984

Lee was the dominant 400m runner in the world during the late 1960s. After breaking the American record in 1967, he set the world record, and became the first runner to dip beneath the 44 second barrier, by recording the stupefying time of 43.86 to win the gold medal at the 1968 Olympics. Lee's world record stood for nearly 20 years.

Lee was a member of the San Jose State "Speed City" relay teams which claimed numerous Relays' titles in the '60s. He returned to win three consecutive individual 440y/400m titles beginning in 1970. 1970 was also the year that Lee recorded an unusual double, winning both the intermediate hurdles and flat 440.

In 1968, in preparation for the upcoming Olympics, Lee swept both the NCAA and U.S. national titles. The U.S. title was one of five that he won during his career.

At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Lee won a second gold medal as a member of the 4X400m relay team. The team, which also included Vince Matthews, Ron Freeman, and Larry James, set a world record of 2:56.2 This mark would remain unbroken for the next 24 years. Lee also was slated to be part of the U.S. 4X400m relay team at the 1972 Olympics, but was denied a chance to run when two of his teammates, medal winners in the open 400m, where suspended for a victory stand protest.

Born: 1947

College: San Jose State

• 400m
  • 1970: 46.7y
  • 1971: 46.6y
  • 1972: 46.0
• 400y Hurdles
  • 1970: 50.5y

• PRs:
  • 400m: 43.86A
  • 400mH: 49.9
  • 200m: 20.4
• Broke World Record
  • 1968: 43.86A
• Broke U.S. Record twice:
  • 1967: 44.95
  • 1968: 43.86A
• Olympic Gold Medal, 1968
  • 400m: 43.86A
  • 4x400m Relay: 2:56.2
• U.S. National Champion:
  • 1966: 45.9y
  • 1967: 45.3y
  • 1968: 45.0
  • 1969: 45.6y
  • 1972: 45.0
• Pan-Am Champion, 1967
  • 44.95
• NCAA Champion, 1968
  • 45.0