REDDING, Calif. — Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills, who triumphed in the 10,000-meter race at the 1964 Tokyo Games, delivered a powerful message of unity through diversity at the 23rd annual Simpson University Business Leadership Luncheon.
Now 87, Mills shared his personal journey of overcoming adversity, including the loss of both parents at a young age, facing prejudice, living with diabetes and serving in the Marines.
“I can win, I can win . . . my stride pumping my arms, I felt the tape break across my chest. An officiant, came up to me ‘who are you, who are you?’ and I said ‘oh my God, did I miscount the laps? Do I have one lap to go?’ When he finished, ‘you are the new Olympic champion,'” said Mills.
Billy Mills winning the 10,000m in the 1964 Olympics: 1stLt William “Billy” Mills, USMCR (No. 722),[1] wove through a field of lapped runners and passed the race favorite, Ron…
