Olympic Gold Medalist Mills visits Maldives
April 2011, Haveeru.com

Visiting former American long distance runner and 10,000 meter Olympic Gold medalist, Billy Mills speaks at Mandhu College on April 2, 2011 about the obstacles in becoming a successful athlete. HAVEERU PHOTO/ MOHAMED WAHEEDOlympic Gold Medalist Mills visits Maldives

April 2011, Haveeru.com

By David Stephens

April 2 (HNS) - Former American long distance runner and 10, 000 meter Olympic Gold medalist, Billy Mills, was in the Maldivian capital today, where he spoke to a large audience, consisting of young athletes and local athletics officials, at Mandhu College, about the obstacles he surmounted on the road to establishing himself as a successful athlete.

Mills, who achieved Olympic glory at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics by beating overwhelming odds brought on by the early death of his parents and discrimination against his Native American heritage, encouraged his listeners to always harbor a dream and relentlessly pursue it.

Mills’ victory in the 10,000 meters, with a timing of 28.24.4, earned him the honour of being the only American ever to have won a gold medal at the event.

Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC) President, Ibrahim Ismail, graced the event, and concluded proceedings by presenting Mills with a token of gratitude