As we prepare for the Olympic Games rescheduled for next year and Billy Mills‘ return to Tokyo, where it all began, we are excited to introduce a new series, Road to Tokyo. Each month until the Games begin, Billy will share never-before-heard stories from his time at and leading up to the Olympics in 1964.
Road to Tokyo: Qualifying for the Olympic Marathon Team
May 28, 2020
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July 25, 1964. As we drive to Culver City, California, I explain to Patricia the process to make the USA Olympic Marathon Team. There are two marathon trials: The first was the USA Amateur Athletic Union Championship in Yonkers, New York on May 24, 1964. Only the winner is placed on the Olympic team. The Western Hemisphere Marathon
Road to Tokyo: My Dream is Our Dream
April 28, 2020
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Dear Reader, You know by now the 2020 Olympic Games scheduled for Tokyo, Japan, this summer have been postponed over the growing concerns of the global pandemic. They have been rescheduled with opening ceremonies on July 23, 2021 and the closing ceremonies on August 8, 2021. The Paralympics will be held August
Road To Tokyo: Qualifying for the Olympic Trials
March 25, 2020
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It’s a cool Saturday afternoon, June 6th, 1964. I am at the United States Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia, the site of the All-Military Track and Field Championships. Today is the final of the 10,000 meter run. The winner will
February 23, 2020
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Coach Thompson and I are having a brief meeting. It is a sunny morning with a forecast of 72° by mid-afternoon. I have just finished an incredible workout. The golf course is closed today so I did what I call
Road to Tokyo: Training Continues
January 23, 2020
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It is the 1st of March 1964 and I have been training at Camp Pendleton for a mere 10 days. Coach Thompson and I are having our first in depth goal-setting meeting. Coach asked me what my goals between now
Road to Tokyo: Arriving at Camp Pendleton
December 20, 2019
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It is January 3, 1964 and I can’t get the St. Sylvester Midnight Run on December 31, 1963, (running out the old year and running in the new year) out of my mind. Running with a very bad cold, being
