Native American Billy Mills won Olympic gold in 1964 and shocked the world

Billy Mills won a gold medal in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Mills was largely unknown heading into the games. A Native American who was orphaned by the age of 12, Mills grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He did not always think he would be a runner and attributes the years he spent playing in the trees and swimming with his siblings to how he made his high school team at all. He attended the University of Kansas on an athletic scholarship and says the racism he experienced, along with the grief of losing his parents, sent him into a deep depression. Running and the pursuit of his Olympic goals helped to get him through his loneliness. Subscribe to The Washington Post on KZbin: wapo.st/2QOdcqK
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[@coastsidescience]

I had the privilege of meeting Mills… what a wonderful person and inspiration!

[@pilgrimhere652]

You gave me the idea to also visit Billy Mills ,of all places I go ,never thought about going up north ,But it's a great Idea to shake hands with Billy , 🇺🇲🏃

[@aikirunner]

Since I was a kid, I’ve heard this story many times. And yet it still has so much meaning to to me. Long live Billy Mills.

[@martaholmes4287]

He is STILL an inspiration.

[@RS-oi9ty]

I met him in 2009 at the Manitoba Marathon and he took the time to speak with me. As I took my leave, he asked for a hug❤. He has daughters around my age, so perhaps I reminded him of them. This First Nations girl felt blessed and ready to run the marathon the next day. Billy, you’re a champion and a true gentleman👍🏽.

[@mastapineappple9496]

Wow, I wish more people would learn about Billy

[@paulbrewer2374]

I just turned 70 years old. And Billy is still one of my greatest heroes!

[@johannamaynard]

I know Billy. Great man.

[@bulouvusonawalowalo1711]

Watching this in 2021 after the Olympics, lovely to hear of this US Olympian. Great testimony. .

[@marcoathayde42]

A true hero!

[@thomas1630]

The greatest sports story ever, Long live Billy Mills

[@EthanGold]

Great story. This is a man who has honored himself and his whole lineage. And thus is an example to many others going through pain and still living with dignity and grace. By his way of being, both on a running track and off.

[@TheAnnArnold]

Wish I'd known about you back then, when I was a runner. My dad died when I was 13, too. My bio mom, your closer relative, had abandoned me, leaving me with my dad when I was a year old.

[@laurakae1007]

So happy to have recently learned about him. So many others should know too and we could all stand to learn from his lesson and success ♡

[@peterpiper482]

Heard it on the radio live and Mills was only mentioned in the home straight. What a moment for a great bloke. I was backing hero Ron Clarke but Clarke didn't have a sprint so he never won a gold medal. Mills had a searing finish. Great story

[@mairinkelly-may8998]

What a wonderful man. Just heard his story by chance .

[@JorgeSanchez-eg5cw]

Billy Mills is still the Best !!!!!

[@colletteearley240]

So courageous, a true warrior!

[@aikirunner]

His story is an inspiration to all.

[@towersgm680]

Great history and great athlete 🙌

[@GeoAce777]

the 🦅is what got me

[@israelroth2384]

🏆

[@user-bf4on8dl7b]

Well done Mr Mills A'HO

[@tsteigh]

🇺🇸 💪👍👍

[@mariamedel3114]

There are so many OTHERS that have not ben mentioned .right now there are Tarahumaras that are faster and can run longer than some olimpians How come they are not competing???

[@jesussaves1043]

Hello. We need to pray for each other. From the word of God to us: (Iz 9)2 The people that walked in darkness saw a great light, and on those who dwelt in the region of the shadow of death light shone. 6 For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us, and the government is upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace. God has not left us orphans. He sent us Jesus the Savior. There is hope. Cry for Christ and he will help you. We need to turn to God with a humble heart of obedience. Jesus will soon return. Pray. Read the Bible. You are loved by God. Greetings.From Brasil. 🌷

[@junior-corradosoprano9435]

62 to 0 dislike. Some1 gonna be 69 woot woot

[@575GJC]

1🤐💙

[@lebaguette5393]

Sandman