Billy Mills is the National Spokesperson for Running Strong for American Indian Youth^®. An Oglala Lakota (Sioux) who was raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Billy earned a track scholarship to the University of Kansas and later served as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps.

An Olympic Champion

At the 1964 Olympics, Billy Mills shocked the world when he came from behind to win the gold medal in the 10k race. At the time, he set a world record of 28 m 24.4s and he is still the only American to ever win a gold medal in the 10,000 meters.

Best-Selling Author

Billy Mills and Nicholas Sparks co-wrote the book Wokini: A Lakota Journey to Happiness and Understanding. Now in its eighth printing, the book uses traditional Indian legends to teach life lessons about gaining happiness.

Inspiration for Major Motion Picture

Billy Mills was the inspiration for the movie Running Brave. The movie stars Robbie Benson and chronicles the story of Billy’s life on the Reservation and the many obstacles he overcame to become an Olympic Champion.

Devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather

Billy encourages American Indian youth to be proud of who are they are.

Today Billy travels over 300 days every year. He visits American Indian communities throughout the U.S. and speaks to American Indian youth about healthy lifestyles and taking pride in their heritage.

Other Places You Might Have Seen Billy

• Interviewed by Tom Brokaw on NBC Nightly News
• Interviewed by Byrant Gumbel on HBO Real Sports
• Featured on the PBS series Indian Pride
• Featured in the Sports Illustrated Online 2008 Olympic Coverage

 

Billy Mills winning the Olympic Gold
in the 10k race in Tokyo, Japan, 1964.