Tom Brokaw interviews Olympian Billy Mills

I'm Native American, Navajo Tribe. I remember Billy Mills come to our high school on our tribal reservation. He spoke at our school assembly. He showed us the clip of his victory of his 1964 Olympic Gold in the 10,000 meter. His story and inspirational speech never gets old. I was so inspired by Billy Mills I became a long distance runner myself in high school. And I ran a 4:48 in mile at Arizona 2A track meet. I ran my fastest in my life. I came in fourth place in the field of a bunch of runners. Billy Mills was my inspiration as a runner. I ran track and cross country back in my high school days. Billy Mills inspirational speech gave me the strength to be proud of my heritage. We Native American people of all tribes in the United States love Billy Mills. He's awesome! His story never gets old. Many Native American people in America Rose from impoverish life and succeeded in education, sports, and leadership. Billy Mills inspirational story will forever stay in our minds, and future generations of native Americans will continue to be inspired.

Billy Mills was our neighbor when we moved to San Diego in 1968. He and his wife Pat lived less then a block from Lake Murray. We all were so impressed to have this man who had won the Gold medal for the 10,000 meter in the Olympics just 4 years earlier as our neighbor (my sister use to baby sit regularly for them). I remember seeing him many times running by our house on his way to the lake for his run for the day. Whenever possible I would yell: “Hey Mr. Mills, how far are you gonna to run today?” He would often reply: “Oh, not too far, just an easy seven or eight.” Sometimes he said he was going to run “10 or so.” Me and my friends were always utterly flabbergasted that anyone could run that far. He was a hero to all the boys in the neighborhood. He was always so nice to all the kids in the neighborhood and I still have and cherish his autograph. I never grow tired of watching the video of his win in Tokyo. I get excited and feel such admiration with each viewing. He was such quality person.

That German runner that cleared the path when he saw Billy charging was awesome. 100% pure sportsmanship at it's finest. 🎖

This is my favorite Olympic story. A Native American who persevered and won a gold medal against all odds. Billy Mills is an inspiration.

I found in a different one of Mr. Mills’ interviews that the steps that his Dad told him to follow in order to someday have wings of an eagle were to “Look beyond the hurt, the hate, the self-pity all of those emotions will destroy you. Look deeper and way down deeper where the dreams lie son/sad (I couldn’t make out exactly what the last word was). Find your dream. Its the pursuit of a dream that heals broken souls.”

One of the most inspirational moments in sports history. After running over 6 miles, Mills ran the last 100 meters in 10.38 seconds. Amazing!

When I was a child I was lucky enough to listen to Mr. Mills in person a few times. After hearing his calming voice and inspiring words I felt like I could run through walls. While in H.S. I met him again as a decent runner he pulled me aside and said "push as hard as you can, we are all proud of you". From there I worked harder but more importantly recruited more Natives to run with me. He is a inspiration for all peoples of the world.

Love this story. I've watched the movie many times. We drove through his tribal hometown in fall '22. I imagine running lots of lonely miles out there with the wind blowing and eagles soaring

To me, this is still the greatest finish to any track race I’ve ever seen in my life. Billy Mills. What an inspiring story his whole life has been.

Over and over again, I watch Billy Mills' story and no matter how many times I witness this story, I still remain in awe. My goose bumps are real. It is 2018 and yet I still remain in awe of what he accomplished and what he stands for. HOPE. Hope, graciousness among discouragement, honor among dishonor, hope beyond despair, and wings of an eagle. I remain hopeful that passion has it's own destiny!

Can't believe I've never heard of this guy, as a Cree from Mistawasis First Nation,( up in Saskatchewan) this brought tears to my eyes.

I was the fastest runner in my elementary school, i wish I had found cousin Billy to learn I could have done things with those blue ribbons other than letting my well-meaning grandmother throw them in the trash while scolding me for not getting straight A's in school. Been great to learn about my heritage on my biological mothers side. I was raised by my dad and paternal grandparents. Hey, Cuz, Billy, if you see my comment, please respond. I am SO proud of you. Semper fi! Idk why my daughter, who my aunt, your closer cousin says looks like Pocahontas, chose to go into the marine corps for 12 years. went to school on her G.I. bill & now saves Covid patients in Southern California. We have a great heritage. so glad we all, including cousin Jared Young, found each other.

Billy Mills was a driven man who trained so hard prior to Tokyo that he was DETERMINED to win. He won by running 50 seconds faster than he had ever previously run at the 10,000 meter distance.

What a great story. Whenever he talks he sounds enlightened and spiritual. The world needs more of his type.

I remember hearing the story when the buss was taking all of the 10,000m runners from the village to the track and they were all trying to guess who would win. Somebody asked Billy who he thought would win and he replied I think I can win. Everybody laughed come on Billy who really. An amazing athlete with an amazing life story.

Still one of my favorite men to watch run! OLYMPIC CHAMPION Billy Mills!

We all love you Billy and Family. 💖

One of the greatest stories ever and one if not the greatest races ever ran! I watched the movie with the great Robbie Benson as a boy and as a life long KU fan born in Kansas and a United States Marine Corps veteran. I am so very proud of Billy Mills. He is an American Legend. Semper Fi Mr Mills🙏❤️❤️❤️

This guy is an absolute inspiration! I've seen the race before but had never heard his story. Gives me chills.

This man deserves a statue in his honor.