Billy Mills

Billy Mills' victory in the 10,000 meter run at the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo shocked the world as one of the greatest upsets in sports history. It was possible only after overcoming numerous personal difficulties in his life. A 7/16 Oglala Sioux Native American, he grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. As a child, he suffered the misfortune of the death of his mother, and at age 12 became an orphan with his father's passing. Even without the loss of his two parents, life on the reservation was difficult as he was often rejected for not being full blooded Native American. Haskell Institute, a boarding school for Native Americans in Lawrence, Kansas was the next stop. He developed a talent for distance running that eventually earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Kansas, also in Lawrence. He distinguished himself as an All-American in cross country at KU and was part of a track team that won national titles. Life at KU was not all good. Mills was socially rejected for his ethnicity while at KU, and was even asked not to be in the team picture for the track team. At one point he contemplated suicide, but the dream of winning the gold medal in the 10,000 inspired him. Mills became a lieutenant in the Marine Corps and had not run for some time when he decided to resume training for the 1964 Olympic Trials. As a result of his hard work, he made the U.S. Olympic team in both the 10,000 meters and marathon. When the competitors lined up for the 10,000 meter finals at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Mills was not considered a contender. In fact he was never interviewed until after the race. One of the race favorites, Australia's Ron Clarke, had a personal best nearly one minute faster than that of Mills. Mohammed Gamoudi of Tunisia was also expected to contend. Clarke was up in front for much of the race, and Mills stayed close as other runners faded. When the bell signaled the final lap, Mills and Clarke were in the lead with Gammoudi closing in. A few seconds later, Clarke pushed Mills two lanes to the outside as Gammoudi cut in. Mills was able to regain his footing, but had lost some distance to Clarke and Gammoudi. With less than 100 yards to go, Mills made a final surge and passed both Clarke and Gammoudi to win the gold medal. The track and field world was in shock. To this day, Mills is the only American to win gold in the 10,000 meter run. Mills is now a spokesperson for Running Strong for American Youth and shares his experiences as a motivational speaker.