Billy Mills is an Olympic gold medalist and a Native American of Oglala Lakota (Sioux) descent. Mills became an orphan at the age of 12 and used running as an outlet to channel his energy into something positive. He earned a track scholarship to the University of Kansas before serving in the United States Marine Corps. Mills returned to running, making the U.S. Olympic Team in the 10,000-meters and marathon events for the Olympic Games Tokyo 1964. Despite logging a qualifying time in the 10,000 that was almost a full minute slower than the favorite to win, Mills surprised fans and competitors alike by coming from behind to win the gold medal and set a world record. Mills remains the only American to ever win the gold medal in the 10,000 event. He went on to help found the non-profit organization Running Strong for American Indian Youth, which helps Native American communities with self-sufficiency programs, cultural identity projects and youth activities. Mills served as the organization’s national spokesperson, traveling to Native American communities throughout the country. President Barack Obama awarded Mills the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal for his efforts in Native American causes.
