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. 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
COMING SOON:
More about Running Strong for American Indian Youth
F&Q with Billy Mills
The story behind this co-authored book
Livestream with Billy Mills from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris