Incredible Moment As Underdog Billy Mills Wins 10,000m Gold - Tokyo 1964 Olympics

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Watch highlights of one of the most incredible stories in Olympic history as the USA's Billy Mills wins the 10,000m gold as a complete unknown underdog at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games.
The story of the 10,000m at the Tokyo 1964 Games is the story of one of the greatest upsets ever seen at the Olympics. The race had been predicted to be a three-way battle between Murray Halbert, the defending 5000m champion, the defending 10,000m champion Pyotr Bolotnikov, and the world record holder Ron Clarke. It did not go according to plan.
By the halfway mark, though, only Clarke was anywhere near the front, accompanied by Tunisian Mohamed Gammoudi and the American Billy Mills.
Mills was so unheralded that, in the run-up to the Games, not one reporter had asked him a single question. They should have done, for his story was memorable.
He had been born in South Dakota as a member of a Native American family, and was raised on a reservation reserved for the Oglala Sioux people. He had 11 brothers and sisters, but was orphaned at the age of 12, and so was raised by his grandmother.
He took up boxing and used to run as a way of staying fit, but discovered he was a better runner than boxer, and so won a place at the University of Kansas on an athletic scholarship.
He excelled at cross-country while at university but, by the time of the Olympic Games, he had left Kansas to join the US Marine Corps. It was while serving in the armed forces that he qualified for the Games.
His qualifying time was not notable, but he had spent years planning for the final and had belief that, on the day, he would match the standard of those around him.
The race was more about endurance, tactics and even fortune than out-and-out pace. The last lap was a confusing affair, with slower runners being lapped as Clarke, Gammoudi and Mills charged along, elbowing and shoving each other as they jockeyed for position. Clarke led, then Gammoudi and then, to the astonishment of both the frontrunners, Mills sprinted past to win by almost three metres, beating his own personal best time by 47 seconds.
"I'm flabbergasted," said Mills in victory. Famously, a Japanese reporter asked simply "who are you?"
Victory changed his life. He was acclaimed by his tribe as a warrior and given the name Makoce Teh'la, which translates as "loves his country". He has devoted much of his life to working with Native American communities and remains the first and, so far, only American to win Olympic 10,000m gold.
Find more about the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games: www.olympic.org/tokyo-1964-sum...
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[@tammiegrewe2757]

When Billy was passed by others, they bumped and jostled him. When Billy turned on the jets, he went outside letting his opponents have their line. He has been such a good champion, always sharing. He lost his parents at a young age and struggled to keep his bearings but, when he needed him, the spirit of his father was at his side. A true and gracious champion.

[@stephaniegormley9982]

I thought the first bump with the Australian wasn't too bad. A little bit of fault for each guy. But then the Tunisian blatantly pushes both guys out of the way. S/have been disqualified.

[@joe1071]

For real though, I watched that and thought, “how much pushing, shoving, pulling physically is allowed?” I would have guessed none, however this race was rather physical in a very intentional way

[@richardcarroll9864]

Ikr they cheated.

[@francisvazquez13]

He ran like a crazy horse.. Amazing athlete.. Pride of the Native Americans...

[@bobf.]

@@francisvazquez13 Pride of all Americans....

[@notquitesureofanything2849]

I ran the Billy Mills 10K in Lawrence KS this morning and I hugged the 80yo Billy Mills at the finish line. Hes a genuine human being.

[@melaniebowman3687]

Wow what an honor 🙏 he came to our middle school when it first opened. Back in the mid 90s

[@2nice310]

I work at the front desk at a gym in Sacramento, and I had been checking in this guy for a year not knowing who he was until a coworker told me about him. Im in shock, the most humble person you would ever meet. A true legend

[@music4thedeaf]

How cool he lives in sac town?

[@antoinechristopherofficial]

Wait, he lives in Sacramento???😳

[@crackerjack9320]

He has a star in the Sacramento walk of Fame. 17th and L.

[@Glum1964]

I’m glad to see young people show respect like you are doing here. I’m sure it means something to Mr. Mills as well. Thank you.

[@soundking4]

One of the very great Olympic moments. Challenges were nothing new to Billy. He faced them all of his life. A proud native American, marine, and Olympic champion. The very best representative of America I say.

[@albertopa58]

Agreed. Billy Mills was all that.

[@woodybrewer9304]

UNCLE BILLY...YOU ARE A GREAT MAN!!!!! sending LOVE from Cheyenne Creek on the Pine Ridge Reservation....LOVE YOU UNCLE...GAB SAYS HAU...

[@guittadabe5214]

Billy Mills had such an incredible kick at the end. How can someone literally sprint at the end of a 10000 meters race and keep bouncing around afterwards! Incredible!

[@marknorris1381]

It was an awesome effort by Mills, because had been running alternate fast laps to break everyone, and he couldn't break Mills and Gammoudi.

[@lestermount3287]

what is more amazing is he said he came through the 5K within two seconds of his PR for that distance and thought about quitting

[@jm1657]

The human version of Secretariat!

[@markhenry6486]

Yeah, shows how da-gone lazy they all were during the race to be so full of energy at the end, bums!

[@marknewton6984]

He and Wottle were the Best!

[@cutiegaming9748]

Yesh native pride to my grandpa billy mills im only 12 but I'm proud of this

[@haider7866]

His my granddad's brother in laws best friend

[@kubemthegray8805]

Meh he's my son and I'm 4

[@chapilheel]

I’m sure you’re very proud... what a fantastic story 😀

[@allisonbates2026]

You should be proud of your grandpa, he never quit trying! What an inspiration to you and ALL Americans. Are you a runner? Do you have a dream? My very best to you and your family.....

[@MissMizzBieber]

You should be very proud of your grandpa!! He is a Hero to all Native People!! ❤

[@Chaco1961]

Native and USMC pride! Billy Mills is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. For years, he has dedicated his life to helping Native people through his Running Strong program. An Olympic champion and a remarkable person.

[@jimhurlbut3649]

He's got the heart of a champion two different ways then. 😊

[@liberty5069]

He would NOT be denied the gold medal. Couldn't happen to a better human.

[@paulg444]

No matter how many times I watch this race, and Ive watched it almost 100 times, it still gives thrills to see Billy Mills !!!

[@shimmeringfairydust3275]

Billy Mills is one of the greatest Olympic stories ever. What a brilliant runner.

[@treyphillips9191]

The fact that he was also Native American means there is nobody better to represent the USA

[@patrickstar8077]

It's a real shame that his story doesn't get more attention. It's definitely one of my favorite stories of any athlete.

[@FranciscoJMeza-pl7my]

Well, they made a movie of him. I saw it on the big screen many years ago and loved it.

[@patrickstar8077]

Francisco J Meza Yup, called running brave.

[@gwarren6386]

You should be proud of your grandpa. I saw it live with my family. I went in the room and cried. I just watched it again and I cried. Billy Mills. A legend.

[@ismahanm1118]

I'm crying so hard watching this, so beautiful to see this achievement knowing all that Native Americans have endured and continue to endure. It is our duty as Americans to listen to and uplift the indigenous people.💜

[@user-me8qj6zk8n]

It came from ABOVE!!

[@brianharder7714]

I love the physicality of the final lap. Hard to believe those guys knocking shoulders like that and then careening through all the traffic of the lapped runners. And then Mills does what he does. Such a legend.

[@Deuces_Brewers]

Wish the movie about him was a little more accurate on the race, but still watch it every few years.

[@martynhanson]

@@Deuces_Brewers It's like that film about Eddie the eagle. He was asked what he thought of it, 'great but only about 15% is accurate'

[@Chandakaye]

I met billy mills today at a pow wow in my hometown and i have to say he is the most charismatic, personable and giving person i have met in a very long time, Very down to earth and kind...great person!

[@eluceanlestelle]

I am Italian and in my youth I ran several times 10000 m distance,my best was 32' 45''.Let me say all my admiration for athlets like Mills,Zatopek,Mimoun and all the other long distances runners.They make incredible efforts for training along years and years for almost no money .I read the incredible Mills' story,his Lakota origins,his beloved wife.He took apart the 1964 Olympic games practically without money.What a man!Sorry for my simple English.

[@philyip4432]

Gianni B. Your English is great ! No apologies necessary.

[@triciajohansen9295]

Your English is bellisimo! Yes, they are ALL GREAT! You forgot Ron Clarke, though!😘🍷

[@omegaweapon116]

I've done weightlighting and long distance traning and I've always felt like long distance running is the hardest. It goes on so long and really pushes both your mental and physical abilities to their limits.

[@erikpeterson25]

thank you

[@Amarillobymorning777]

I'm a Mexican I run and walk thousands of kilometers for many years just to survive: school/work. Greetings to the Italian people. I like hamburger pizza. Postdata: With the help of internet I knew a native Mexican Indians called taraumaras located North of the country, this fellows can run for days. And I think I have that blood , like to run and walk.

[@michaelpoe5095]

This is the most underrated performance in the history of Olympic sports. When I first saw the movie Running Brave I assumed the finish was exaggerated for Hollywood but it is not. The closing sprint is as inspirational as any finish I've ever seen.

[@michaelpoe5095]

+cyoungrun1 ask any sports fan under 30 if they've heard of the miracle on ice, I bet 50% say yes, I bet about 5% know Billy Mills' story. both are top tier, that's all I'm saying. I'll bet more under 30 know Prefontaine 's name, that's unfortunate.

[@pracylopgonzer3176]

Sandy 2319, I agree with you whole heartedly. After running such a distance and moving along at such velocity with arms pumping. A 'light touch' from an elbow doesn't look as devastating as it is. I once had all my air knocked out of me with a light tussle like that, unlike Mills, who I greatly admire, I couldn't recover. In one of the movies ' early scenes his coach is shown showing Mills how to take runners like that. It is an effective tactic, though I never did it

[@scottminnella1880]

The movie over exaggerated the push by Gammoudi and Clark. But not the finish.

[@pamlewis4962]

The real race finish was better than the movie. He was running in borrowed shoes. He got pushed, but he poured it on. I get chills every time I watch this finish. Great Race, Great Runner, Great Inspiration.

[@guittadabe5214]

@Sandy 2319 The most brutal thing about a shove is that it severely disrupts the rhythm of a runner, especially at the end when the rhythm is often the only thing keeping the runner going.

[@kylejones5739]

The first and last time an American won gold at that distance. What an amazing story and man.

[@Kevin11snakes]

BIlly Mills,Native American, said in an interview I heard on the radio show "On Being" that he saw an eagle on one of his competitors shirt as he neared the end of the race. He thought of his father who had passed away and took inspiration from that to win. After the race he went to look for the racer with the eagle emblem and the eagle was not there on the shirt.

[@rprzpnting]

Wow thanks for sharing

[@mothertree]

it was meant to be and so it was...I bet he then knew the great one had given him a sign

[@cuylorna]

an exhaust runner has some degree of alucinnation

It should be. But check the video again, in lats 100m - he talked he saw the German eagle, but the german has tricolor on T-shirt and thats one which he checked then. But there was another runner with eagle on T-shirt - Poland. So this could be the explanation - he only changed the colors (runners) in his mind, but the eagle was there. Or it could be an association with german tricolor in his mind as you mentioned as halucination ;)

[@triciajohansen9295]

That was a vision and sign from his father to be strong and never give up. He was rewarded with the gold medal🇺🇸

[@edwardmickelson2912]

This will never get old. A race for the ages.

[@charlikoppinger]

Watching this race gets me through my worst days. Just keep pushing forward.

[@kennethbrady]

Totally.

[@kevorobo]

He was my substitute teacher at Oakland highschool today... Incredible man...

[@NealX]

Kevin Zavala Wow really? That's crazy.

[@ebbets1965]

+Kevin Zavala Let us know if it happens again.

[@gopher3737]

wow this is amazing!

[@laurah674]

I love how he asks that man, “first?”. I read somewhere that after he finished, he worried for a second that he had one more lap to go, and didn’t really win the event. Billy Mills is such a hero for all, but especially for natives everywhere.

[@altowlee33]

This brings tears to my eyes...Billy Mills you are amazing.

[@PacRimJim]

Perhaps the most amazing thing about this was that his winning time of 28:24.4 was almost 50 seconds faster than he had run before. It set a new Olympic record for the event. Astonishing, if you know anything about athletics at that level.

[@kentfetter3863]

Billy Mills is an inspiration to anyone who hears him speak, he is humble and down to earth. In 2007 he came to the NY State Cross Country Championships and spoke to the athletes. I had the privilege to go with my brother and good friend to the airport and pick him up. As a member of the Mohawk Tribe I grew up the only Native in my school and Billy Mills was one of my heroes so this was a great treat for me - to be in the car for an hour with a legend. I was hoping to get some kind of secret training advice from him that I could use for the runners I coach. When i asked him about coaching he said he only coached 2 people - his daughter and a young runner who ran for Notre Dame - Nicholas Sparks! Then he gave me advice about watching what I eat when i get older and we talked about golf! Time flew as we were talking - a time I will never forget.

[@louisnirvana1]

+Kent Fetter How neat!

[@joslynmoses3644]

+Kent Fetter I also had the honor of speaking with the man and still to this day I remember Mr Mills are being honest, calm, peaceful and most of all friendly with who ever he spoke to, this was truly an honor in my small world life. My dad was so surprised and he spoke how amazed he was when he watched on T.V. the first American ever to win the 10,000 meter and the last American to do so and how proud this made him feel that a Native American won.

[@mothertree]

wow what a cherished memory to have forever,Kent.Thanks a lot for telling me about meeting Billy.i wish you the very best !

[@kentfetter3863]

Thank you, it was awesome!

[@reoracer]

Billy Mills came and spoke at Manchester College, now Manchester University, in Indiana) while I was a student there in the early 90's. He came and ran a practice with our cross country team while he was there. Very very nice guy. A true champion!

[@TheCe1conroy]

A Hero to my people, A role model while growing up in Pine Ridge, Thank You Mr. Mill's, Pilamaya

[@SIGMAMAN69]

This was a great moment for so many reasons, it was a huge upset, he came out of nowhere to do it and it was a proud moment for Native Americans and redemption for Jim Thorpe having his medals taken away.

[@triciajohansen9295]

God bless both our men!😘

[@alb2be]

He came to my school in 3rd grade in Fort Yates, ND and he's been one of my heroes ever since. Hokahey! :)

[@JesseJames_Dean]

Billy Mills visited my high school during this last track season in April. He is a great man and his story is an amazing inspiration. I still can't believe I was able to shake hands and have a conversation with an Olympic Champion!

[@jogman262]

I got to meet and talk to Frank Shorter. Distance runners are the greatest athletes in the world in my opinion.

[@thegoldencompany4191]

he came to a couple here in montana, lucky i was there to hear his speech

[@ralphsierra]

I tell a lot of people that want to be inspired to watch this and other videos of Billy Mills. He shows courage and determination. Good character traits that we should all strive to live in our lives. Thank you Billy Mills!.

[@mezanine10]

The movie 'Running Brave' captured this moment in dramatic fashion and what an ending it was. You want to cry. I recommend people to watch it and learn about Bill Mills' life and his challenges.

[@interestedparty7523]

I was thinking the same thing. Amazingly, the "Kick" Mill's character showed in the movie is accurate to real life as seen in this clip, LOL. Heck, Benson sort of even looks like Mills, sort of. It's a good movie.

[@mellissaquickekennedy8838]

@@interestedparty7523 to this present day both Billy Mills and Robbie Benson are dear steadfast friends/family!

[@PTunnelly]

This video reminds me so much of what my dad always tells me. Life is unfair. When you get treated unfairly, it's always best to move on because it's something that's out of your control. Just focus on what you have to do and get it done. Nobody cares how hard you try, just keep going until you're successful.

[@hiddenuareandwillremain3079]

Billy Mills "who no one expects to win this race'.... well dayum...anytime I need some inspiration I turn to Billy Mills..I always always get the goose bumps....WTG BILLY MILLS

[@renaldoricketts]

what a spectacular run by a native son, I never knew his background! His people should be proud he didn't turn his back on them, a true hero to the cause, this is what we need those in the public eye to shine the light on the plight of our people. Salute to you Chief Billy Mills, a leader in the eye of the storm.

[@ShunyamNiketana]

This is a powerful video--the drama, the crowd, the stadium lights coming on, umbrellas to block the drizzle, images of sprawling Tokyo, and the great close-ups of the runners as they change position. I remember the announcer's voice from when I was eight years old: "Billy Mills! Billy Mills!" It's a great example of a peak performance. He beats the world record holder, and he chops fifty seconds off his personal best, setting an Olympic record.

[@evelyngodsey6244]

We will have Billy Mills at our all nations run this weekend. It will be our first annual fun run. We are a Native American tribe here in CA and I am proud to have such leaders like Billy Mills representing us. He does so much for the Native community. He Made history. If you haven't seen the Doc on him you should watch it. It will touch your heart.

[@hrebec97ify]

To watch Mills make that incredible kick around the last curve and through the finish, it is stunning. What a runner!

[@jordanl.7210]

I’ve watched various clips of that race multiple times. One of the greatest ever. With 200 meters to go I still keep thinking there’s no way he can win. I still get chills.

[@MrEwooly]

Beat his personal best by FORTY-SEVEN (FREAKING) SECONDS!!!!!!! Greatest single performance in Olympic history without a doubt.

[@AquaMarino]

very big leap indeed

[@ccx806]

I would rate Bob Beamon's high jump in 1968 as slightly above this. Broke the WR by nearly 2 feet

[@serapiogarza6968]

@@ccx806 You mean Bob Beamon's 1968 Long Jump record.

[@libradragon]

@@serapiogarza6968 Indeed, though when I first read the comment from Sidward, my mind saw "long jump" instead of what was written. I had to go look again when I read your correction. Bob Beamon had a perfect moment in time, supremely well executed height in his arc to the pit after a very fast sprint to the board. But this race and superb effort from Billy Mills is a top flight World Class performance that has not been repeated by anyone from the USA. We have only two other Medals, both Silver, from Galen Rupp (2012) and Lewis Tewanima (1912). Incredible race by Mr. Mills at these Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964.

[@reggieglubber5420]

Lose the "freaking" The best performance is by Michael Phelps.

[@larryclem4167]

I love this video. Watched it dozens of times and Billy wins every time.

[@ronaldmartinez1730]

I remember it like it was yesterday......and I still Cry with Joy.

[@johnborland307]

I get chills every time I watch it. It is truly inspirational. I wish they would remake the movie.

[@marknorris1381]

The history of the Olympics is full of stories of people who weren't expected to win but rose to the occasion, Mills is one of them - a beautiful thing.

[@BSimp4242]

Even as a sprinter this was one of my all time favorite races to watch. Great race Billy!

[@raymondmitchell3071]

This was one of the greatest wins in Olympic history. Billy Mills also known as Tamakoce Te'Hila, is an Oglala Lakota, made history that will be spoken about whenever great Olympic moments are talked about.

[@DaShamGodDONFrankBatista347]

What makes this even more insane is that it was against Ron Clarke, who broke the 5,000 and 10,000 meter records several times in his prime. All-time Underdog performance. Billy Mills carried the confidence from this performance into several more races where he broke seven different U.S. records and tied for the World record in the 6 mile with Gerry Lindgren. I believe I saw a recent interview where he said he wished he didn't retire as early as he did. I believe he could have been a contender in '68 Olympics.

[@9Ballr]

One of the greatest Olympic victories of all time!

[@davis7099]

It is wonderful to catch a sense of Billy Mill's glory 58 years ago. Thanks for uploading this remarkable film.

[@ernievigilvigil3466]

I love watching this over and over because I know the inner and outer strength it takes to do something like that what an inspiration.

[@MrWish.1]

I’m at a cross country camp right now and billy mills came to speak to us and stayed for a couple days.. the camp is 3 days long and billy now like 72 yrs old idk spoke to ya yesterday and today about being humble and what to fight for and goals to achieve.. he told us about things that were wrong with his body and things his father told him when he was younger.. Mr mills really wasn’t expected to be this great or win something this crazy.. it’s pretty cool to be able to see and talk to him now.. his voice is deep but very very quiet.. u can tell he has good knowledge and wisdom

[@MrSoxfan56]

Best individual upset performance in Olympic history.

[@williamknutson6163]

He was running in shoes that were the wrong size.....

[@paulsmallriver6066]

That lucky crowd to have witnessed this fantastic piece of track history

[@humanhuman498]

Why no one even talks about Gammoudi in the comment section, the guy was practically unknown back then despite winning the meiterranean games in Naples before participating in the Olympics. The guy wasn't trained since childhood or anything he was discovered in an army competition when he was doing his military service in the for not long time independant Tunisia. The prize was around 400 cigarettes. This guy is a legend completely forgotten about. He scored Gold and Bronze in 1968 in Mexico and silver in Munich 1972. He once stated that they struggled to find the tunisian flag for him after he got 2nd place in Tokyo, because no one expted him getting anywhere close to what he achieved

[@robertlack6643]

I had the pleasure of meeting Billy Mills at the Marine Corps Marathon about 10 years ago. He was kind enough to let me take a photo with him. OORAH Billie.

[@66samdog]

How can that not put a smile on your face. What a finish!

[@jaysoper3974]

still remember this - one of the most memorable races in Olympic history; no one gave him a chance beforehand

[@gcjbhar]

He absolutely won because of the way the other runners treated him while passing. I ran track and one of the biggest motivators there is..is to be disregarded as a real threat. It will make you find something in yourself that you never knew existed!! Side note He was American Indian!!

[@mellissaquickekennedy8838]

Lakota...

[@jeng8630]

He even had to borrow his shoes. Ot supplied as given no chance. Think he was Lakota ie sioux

[@rosecordier7494]

I will never tire of watching this! So inspirational!! ❤

[@ernestp2485]

Just shared his story with my grandson. Dreams and hard work do come true thank you Mr Mills

[@earlshannon1048]

God bless Billy Mills! What a tremendous effort

[@lukespack]

Greatest native American Olympian since Jim Thorpe. I can't recall anyone else doing something this remarkable since Billy Mills in 1964.

[@lloydhlavac6807]

I was just a little kid when this event happened over 50 years ago, but watching it just now in 2020 I still got a chill.

[@theLordsboy]

I love watching this race. So pleased for Billy Mills and his family.

[@gopher3737]

Cheers to Billy Mills - this win is still probably the biggest upset win in any event in Olympic history

[@haydenwittig8877]

RON CLARKE HAS PASSED AWAY TODAY FROM A SHORT ILLNESS CLARKE FROM AUSTRALIA HELD AN AMAZING 17 WORLD RECORDS HE WAS 78. THANKS MATE.

[@bumblebeemoi]

+Hayden Wittig So true. One of the greatest.

[@cbs70sfan49]

Ron Clarke was my favorite distance runner from Australia, but I was disappointed to hear him say in an interview that Billy Mills win in the '64 Games was a fluke.

[@triciajohansen9295]

@@cbs70sfan49 I agree, Billy ran his heart out!😎

[@jackkelly.11]

i was the 78th like illuminati, RIP

[@mrb8993]

@@cbs70sfan49 it was - look at all those laggards blocking the last 400 metres - it's not an obstacle course and those runners should have cleared a path plus the Tunisian should have been disqualified for his very aggressive pushing of both runners - you run around the runners, not through them. Things have changed thank god.

[@VitaLetum7334]

Still brings a tear to my eye!

[@THESM1THS]

Ron Clarke set 17 world records. He deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest runners of the 20th century. But Billy Mills was better on the day that mattered.

[@Wired4Life2]

@Paul Kryder Exactly. Consider this his "one that got away".

[@tonychaing3051]

Ron Clarke is remembered as a great runner, but this isnt about Clarke its about Billy Mills. So what are you trying to say.

[@704studio]

ClarkE dissed Mills by pushing him out of the way in the final lap, the running Gods dissed Clarke by giving Mills a miracle kick at the finish.

[@jogman262]

@Paul Kryder It happens. Look at Bill Rogers. All those Boston and NYC marathon wins but he could only manage 40th place in the Montreal games 1976. Doesn’t take away from glory of his marathon wins outside of the Olympics.

[@poornas]

This was the race where Ranatunge Karunananda of Sri Lanka ran 4 laps alone to finish the race as the last. History has it that he was jeered at initially when he continued to finish the race alone, even after all others have either finished or given up. But Karunananda persisted and continued to finish all the laps eventually to receive a standing ovation from the same spectators for his sheer determination to finish the race. This is one of the rare magical moments of Sri Lankan Olympic history. :) "The Olympic spirit is not to win, but to take part. So I came here. I took part in the 10,000 metres and completed my rounds." - Ranatunge Karunananda

[@bbeloveth53bahtgad37]

Beautiful 🏃🏾

[@Wired4Life2]

This has to be the fifth time I've watched this performance in two days. Billy Mills, man...Wow! =D

[@sjbonnie]

For an update on Billy….I met him today. He is a Member at the credit union where I work in CA. Incredible guy, with an incredible story. It was truly an honor.

[@klaurenhall]

Me too. I was a teary mess when I met my hero, but he and his wife are truly the most gracious people I have ever met. My time with them and my photo with him are treasures.

[@ForbinColossus]

Can you believe NBC fired the announcer for being too enthusiastic? >>> His call was one of the most memorable in Summer Olympic history. His reward was a pink slip. Dick Bank was NBC's track analyst for the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, and his call of Billy Mills' victory in the 10,000 meters ---- a race I deemed the best Summer Olympics moment ---- added to the drama. Working with lead announcer Bud Palmer, Bank saw Mills charging hard down the stretch on the outside, recognized the American runner and starting yelling "Look at Mills! Look at Mills!" Banks' call only added to the drama of the race. But NBC's Dick Auerbach disagreed. A day after the race, Bank was called to Auerbach's Toyko hotel and fired. " But Auerbach said I was very unprofessional, and they were turning off my microphone." "Auerbach never said why he fired me. And NBC refused to pay me for the Olympics. "I had to threaten legal action to get paid. "It's funny. I lost all my tapes, including the Mills call, in a house fire and hadn't seen it for more than 20 years. I don't have a computer or any of that business, but a friend recently called it up on KZbin for me." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Mills

[@mongofan1]

Thanks for sharing that. What a bizarre story. SMH.

[@suzim9458]

The problem with calls like that, especially by the side kick, is that it means all other side kick announcers will want their own moment of glory. I know it was exciting, but I think the announcer on this youtube did great. I do empathize with Banks, but I think he was unprofessional and his childish call actually annoys many viewers. Would I have fired him? Maybe I would have. Though I would have paid him, he did show up after all.

[@havingfun1968]

He really was fired???

[@coco_bold]

what's the purpose of the sidekick, just back up the idiotic leader?

[@cuylorna]

it wasnt this announcer, it was another one that screamed "look at mills, look at mills, look at mills..!"

[@crimdell]

Considering it was 1964, that last lap camerawork was awesome.

[@sitarnut]

Yes, there is a reason for that. Kon Ichikawa's film was considered a milestone.

[@Shodansixtyone]

I try to watch this as often as possible - I saved a copy but deleted it in error - so here I am recapturing one of the greatest moments in sports history. Billy Mills a Native American was the best of the best in the world that day. Today he is still a Champions Champion giving back in a lifelong effort to promote health, especially to Native Americans around the country.

[@pilgrimhere652]

That was great, I love when a man fights and use all his strengh and mind control and faith, That was great. Im proud of him, Wherever he is," GOD BLESS YOU.

[@loissimmons6558]

A truly great Olympic performance by Billy Mills. What made it even more difficult for all of the top finishers in the race was the presence of the lapped runners in their way. I was involved with the track and field world in the early 1970's, and it is my recollection that lapped runners were directed to the outside lanes. In this race, the leading runners had to pass the lapped runners on the outside, making their race unnecessarily longer.

[@Stacie45]

This race looked pretty chaotic at the end. But I had a bit of experience passing lapped runners way back when, and the most important thing was just to know what people were going to do. If they stay inside it is pretty easy to go around, it adds some distance but it is not that big a deal. And if they all move out to lane 2 it is awesome. But if they hear you coming and either stay inside or suddenly look over their shoulder and veer out it really messes you up. You chop your stride, maybe get tangled up with them, try to decide whether to pass inside or outside. I even spoke up on the starting line a couple times and said if I am about to lap you please just stay inside.

[@littlemas2]

I've watched this clip 20 times and it still gets me. Billy grew up not too far from where I grew up in South Dakota. He just spoke at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology commencement today and my son heard him. It reminded me to come back and watch this clip again.

[@mlfreitas4832]

I never tire of rewatching Mills incredible performance.

[@ltcnickbarr]

What a truly inspiring total effort as the leaders approached the final meters! Mr. Mills certainly earned the gold medal.

[@Lehmann108]

Sometimes the magic happens when you run and you realize you've got some left in the tank so you floor it!

[@alexjacobs3441]

Lewis Tewamima a Hopi Runner won it at Stockholm 1912 (w Jim Thorpe and Frank Mt. Pleasant also there all from Carlisle team) his record held til Billy Mills won it, every Labor Day the Hopi honor Lewis Tewamima w a racing event...

[@TriJV]

Alex Jacobs, Louis Tewanima took the silver metal in the 1912 M 10,000-meter race. The gold was won by Hannes Koleh mainen of Finland.

[@GeneTrujillo]

As an aspiring junior collegiate long distance runner I watched "Running Brave" before every big race. What an inspiration!

[@robertlausch5650]

I loved both arms up, crossing the finish line in first place. There's a "straighr-on" photo as he's at the finish line - iconic.

[@liberty5069]

He had a great finishing kick demonstrated by his high knee lift.

[@lowawatakathandhara1720]

1:08 At the same race Ranathunga Karunananda won the thousands of hearts.

[@vinukgaurawa4906]

Proud that at least there is one comment about of him.I was searching the whole comment section for his name.Actually Ranathunga Karunaratne was the real champion. ❤❤Lk❤❤

[@apcook34]

Met Billy Mills in 1990, I think or 89, at a road race at a reservation close to where I grew up. He was a super nice guy, really inspirational.

[@21roadwarrior21]

THE GREATEST GOLD MEDAL by the MOST UNKNOWN American athlete in Olympic History Billy Mills has never received a scintilla of the credit he deserves This tribute to Billy Mills is one tiny pebble of the great monument he deserves

[@DavidSmith-fs6pi]

Billy Mills unbelievable determination and an incredible kick

[@plngym]

Yay billy mills! "A man no expects to win this race." Kickin' it old school with humility and a crew cut.

[@fearlesswarrior113]

plngym that's what we call high & tight in Corp Semper Fi

[@hiddenuareandwillremain3079]

My HERO BILLY MILLS!! the announcer say Billy Mills who no one expects to win this particular race.. DAYUM!!! Never count a man down and out... I LOVE THE WAY HE DID THE VICTORY HAND PUMP AT THE END!!!!😘😍😘

[@mikekaminski4669]

I remember that Olympics very well! So many memories and outstanding wins by young athletes! Billy Mills, Don Schollander, and so many others! Unforgettable games! ❤❤❤

[@andybshapiro]

The camera angles and the sounds of the track are better in this video than current footage...50 years later!

[@eluceanlestelle]

That's true !

[@vg5157]

You have to see the movie about him ,what an emotional moment for him

[@13FIZGIG13]

This never gets old to watch!!! Way to GO BILLY!!!!

[@mountainbuttons]

Cannot watch this without getting emotional. Such an amazing story.

[@RobynHode8]

The ABC TV feed is great. You hear the announcer yell, "Look at Bill! Look at Bill!"

[@KenCostlow]

NBC did the 1964 Summer Olympics. ABC's first Summer Olympics was four years later in Mexico City.

[@salimaddi1513]

I come here after I listened to Billy Mills interview on NPR! So proud of him!

[@joelombrdo]

I never get tired of watching this. It brings a huge smile to my face every time.

[@kvernon1]

Isn't it the best feeling in the world to see the greatest moment someone ever had in their entire life?

[@user-qr9uh1fd8g]

Yes. I feel that way.

[@nicoleu9580]

the fact I got to meet this outstanding man... Amazing!

[@cutiegaming9748]

Yep and he's my grandpa