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: October 14 – 10,000 Meters – First Place.
July 24, 2020
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September 29, 1964: Saying goodbye to Patricia as I boarded the plane for Tokyo, Japan was difficult, even though she will be joining me on October 5. I just wish she was with me now. My time during the long
Road to Tokyo: A Tumultuous Experience for the Price of a Dream
June 29, 2020
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Yesterday, July 26, 1964, I qualified for the Olympic team in the marathon. Today, just settling into a 10-mile run with a comfortable pace, it’s time to start analyzing my body to determine if there are any flare-ups with my
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
