by running the odd distance, mcgrady did not face softer competition. reigning olympic champions/world record holders ralph doubell (800 m) and lee evans (400 m) wanted the good race against mcgrady. the racing rivalry between evans and mcgrady is still remembered. they are pictured at the finish of a 600 on the cover of the march 1968 issue of "track and field news," of course with mcgrady taking the victory over a leaning evans and jim kemp. mcgrady won three straight national championships and had three straight victories at the prestigious millrose games.