“Look at Mills! Look at Mills!”
60 years ago, the announcers’ voices rang out as Billy Mills, a virtually unknown contender, sprinted into first place taking Gold in the 10,000-meter race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics in one of the greatest Olympic victory upsets to date. At the finish line Billy Mills found success and opportunity that led to the establishment of Running Strong for American Indian Youth in 1986 as a way to give back to his community.
Running Strong staff recently had the pleasure of speaking with Mills about his win, his legacy, and his much-anticipated return to the Olympics. “It had been a long road to Tokyo,” Mills recalled. “And to think, all of this from one moment of victory.”
This year, Mills will return to the 2024 Paris Olympics as an honored guest. “I am very excited to return to the games this year,” Mills shares. “The last Olympic games I went to was in 2012.” Mills was set to return to Tokyo for the 2020 games, but the pandemic made attending impossible. This trip will be especially memorable, as Mills’ wife Pat and four daughters will be traveling with him to create amazing family memories. “It’s going to be very special,” Mills smiles.
In a heartfelt gesture, Mills is donating his Olympic warm-up suit to the Olympic Museum. This donation symbolizes not only his personal achievements but also the “spirit of perseverance and triumph” that defines the Olympics. Future guests and athletes will be able to visit this iconic piece of history for generations to come.
The track and field events will start as soon as they arrive in Paris, kicking off their trip with a grand reception with all the Track and Field competitors and staff. The track and field finals will begin the next day with the 10,000-meter run.
“I like watching the distance events, anything over 800 meters,” Billy shares. “I have my own little dream of having another American win the 10,000-meter gold. I would really love to see a female from the western hemisphere win the 10,000-meter race. Then we’d have one male and one female winning from America.” Mills grins. “At first I had hoped I would be the only one to win that event, but I wasn’t counting on 60 years!” Mills remains the first and only Olympian to win Gold in the 10,000-meter race from the USA.
Mills is also looking forward to attending the OLY, an exclusive suite where past Olympians gather to talk, promote, and connect through sport. The suite provides a unique space and opportunity for retired athletes to share their experiences and collaborate on how to inspire future generations. As Mills poignantly noted, “Olympians can’t really connect until you’ve retired from your sport. I’ve really enjoyed doing that at the past Olympic Games. It’s funny, it’s a social event for me as other people are trying to achieve their life passions.”
While in Europe, Mills will be traveling to Italy for the Cinque Mulini, an annual cross-country race named for its course that runs along five water mills of the Olona River. Billy and Pat are guests of honor this year, with the proceeds of the race going to support Running Strong for American Indian Youth. Mills first ran the Cinque Mulini in 1965, a year after his Olympic win in Tokyo. Mills was the first gold medalist to win the race, setting a new record that beat the previous fastest time by 28 seconds. Mills says that his biggest accomplishment that weekend was not his win but introducing his and Pat’s interpreters during that trip. “They got married and are still married! We have always kept in touch,” Pat beamed. “We are really hoping we get to see them.”
Before their return to the States, the Mills family will gather to celebrate Mills’ semi-retirement with a dinner at the oldest Cafe in Paris. The historic restaurant has been a haven for artists, philosophers, and royalty, and is the perfect backdrop for an Olympian’s (semi) retirement. “It’s only a semi-retirement because I still have dreams and dreams for Running Strong,” Mills says proudly with a wink.
Billy Mills’ return to the Olympics this year is a great reminder of his enduring legacy and impact. His presence in Paris alongside his family and fellow Olympians is a celebration of his journey, achievements, and the unifying power of dreams.
Make a gift in honor of Billy Mills’ tremendous legacy and to support the dreams of native youth and the communities they live in.
Give here: https://runningstrong.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/15497
