He faced poverty on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, was orphaned by the age of 12, developed a debilitating health condition, and struggled against extreme racism, but Billy Mills persevered against all odds by chasing a dream. In 1964, he became the first American to win Olympic Gold in the 10,000-meter event—the second Native American in history to win gold in any Track & Field event, after Jim Thorpe (1912). Billy knew then that it was time for his traditional Lakota Giveaway. He stepped off the winner’s podium and into a life of service, helping Indigenous people around the world.
Autobiographical picture book, publishing July 2, 2024
Junior Library Guild Selection!
Booking school visits and keynotes now. Contact Donna for details
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Are you curious about the story behind the WINGS OF AN EAGLE book and how Donna and Billy collaborated? Here’s the scoop
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Learn more about the charitable services provided by Running Strong for American Indian Youth, co-founded by Billy Mills
Coming soon:
F&Q with Billy Mills and S.D. Nelson
Livestream with Billy Mills from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
Photo gallery
Curriculum guide
