| She made her first Olympic team in 1976 at the age of 19; earned 4 Olympic gold medals - 3 for the 4x100 metre relay and one for the 1984 100 m dash - gained a silver medal in 1988 for the 100 metres; held the world record (10.76) in that event between 1984 and 1988 until it was broken by Florence Griffith Joyner's 10.49; carried the US flag in Seoul during the Opening Ceremonies; and at the age of 35 made her 4th Olympic team, distinguishing herself as the oldest sprinter ever to make an American Olympic team.
But when asked about her achievements, the UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) graduate and Hall of Fame star is quick to give credit to her faith in God.
"I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing without faith," she asserts. "People throughout my career have told me I couldn't do something. My running is a way I can express my faith, because there are so many odds against me. I believe God gave me a gift in being able to run, and I want to give back to him because he takes care of me and meets all my needs."
Evelyn recounts a memorable 1984 meet in Zurich, Switzerland, following the Los Angeles Olympics. Facing imposing rival Marlies Gohr of East Germany, which had boycotted the Games, Evelyn recalls being incredibly nervous on the starting line.
"I had prayed and prayed the night before," she reminisces, "and I really think God was with me for that race. I still get choked up thinking about it but there was a whisper in my ear, a voice that said, 'Just have faith'. It calmed me down."
With that encouragement, Evelyn set a world record 10.76 in the 100 metres, still the second fastest women's sprint time ever.
"The Bible is my guideline, if I'm feeling well or not," says Evelyn. "God has really helped me through some difficult things. My faith in him has helped me excel in my athletics and off the track as well."
From the Sports New Testament "Go For It!" Europäische Sportunion (ECSU), Kölner Str. 23a, D-57610 Altenkirchen
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