Billy Mills

Billy Mills is a Native American athlete who achieved international fame as a long-distance runner. He is best known for winning the gold medal in the 10,000 meters race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Billy Mills is a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, an indigenous tribe of Native Americans. He was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, United States.

Billy Mills' most famous achievement is winning the gold medal in the 10,000 meters race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He became the first and only Native American to win an Olympic gold medal in an individual racing event.

Although Billy Mills did not set any world records during his athletic career, his victory in the 10,000 meters race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history. Mills' finishing time of 28 minutes and 24.4 seconds was a personal best.

After retiring from competitive running, Billy Mills dedicated his life to empowering young Native Americans. He co-founded the organization called Running Strong for American Indian Youth, which provides grants for programs that improve the lives of Native American communities. Mills continues to be a motivational speaker and an advocate for Native American rights and youth development.