Billy Mills

Billy Mills is the sole American to have ever secured the Olympic gold medal in the 10,000-meter run. He is a member of the Lakota Sioux and was raised in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, one of the poorest communities in the United States. Orphaned at the age of twelve, Mills had to confront prejudice and cultural discrimination for most of his early life. His journey away from the reservation began when he received an athletic scholarship to the University of Kansas, where he distinguished himself as a three-time NCAA All-America cross-country runner.

Upon university graduation, Mills accepted a commission as an officer in the US Marine Corps. There, his discipline and athletic prowess were further honed. His training regimen, starting at 30 miles per week and eventually reaching 100 miles, alongside an excellent track and field program, helped him qualify for the 10,000-meter run and the marathon at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Mills' victory in the 10,000-meter run, his first race in brand new shoes, set a new Olympic record and is often hailed as one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history. This feat also marked him as the first non-European and only person from the Americas to win the event.

In 1983, Robby Benson portrayed Mills in the movie Running Brave, which traced his life from childhood through his Olympic triumph. His inspiring story also found expression in his written works. Mills authored "Wokini: A Lakota Journey to Happiness and Self-Understanding" in 1990, followed by "Lessons of a Lakota" in 2005. These books blended traditional Native American beliefs with modern therapeutic principles, urging readers to embark on personal journeys for life satisfaction.

Beyond his athletic and literary accomplishments, Mills has dedicated himself to philanthropic efforts. He co-founded the nonprofit Running Strong for American Indian Youth and continues to serve as a national spokesperson for the organization. This role sees him traveling the country, empowering Native youth, and encouraging them to follow their dreams. He has also contributed significantly to diabetes prevention and management education initiatives for adults and youth. His efforts have not gone unnoticed; President Barack Obama awarded Mills the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal for his work with the Running Strong for American Indian Youth organization, and he received the President's Council Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 for his contributions to physical activity, fitness, sports, and nutrition.

Mills' legacy has been widely celebrated. He has been inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the United States National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1976, the United States Olympic Hall of Fame, and the National Distance Running Hall of Fame. In recognition of his contributions to sport and society, a plaque commemorating his accomplishments was placed in Sacramento's Walk of Stars in 2017, and a middle school in Lawrence, Kansas, was named after him the following year. He was also inducted into the National Native American Hall of Fame in 2018.

Today, Mills continues to inspire countless individuals as a public speaker and motivator. Through his words and personal achievements, he has guided thousands of corporations and associations across America to reach within the depths of their capabilities and perform to the best of their potential. His advocacy for Native American rights and youth empowerment adds a significant layer to his motivational speaking themes. He has made numerous appearances on TV shows and documentaries, discussing his athletic career and his work in advocacy.