Billy Mills is an Olympic Gold Medalist, a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribal Nation, and the National Spokesperson and Co-Founder of Running Strong for American Indian Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Native American communities thrive.

Known by his Lakota name, Tamakoce Te’Hila — meaning “Loves His Country” or more traditionally, “Respects the Earth” — Billy gained international recognition after his historic victory in the 10,000-meter race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. His win is still regarded as one of the greatest moments in sports history, and he remains the only athlete from the Western Hemisphere to win Olympic gold in that event.

Billy’s journey is deeply rooted in the legacy of his ancestors. His great-grandmother, Sally Bush Mills, and grandfather, Ben Mills, were part of a resilient family line tied to significant moments in Native American history, including the surrender of Crazy Horse. Their stories and sacrifices have profoundly shaped his path.

Billy Mills joined forces with Eugene Krizek to help found Running Strong for American Indian Youth® under Christian Relief Services in 1986, which has impacted generations of Indigenous youth, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with strength and dignity.

Billy and his wife Patricia have dedicated their lives to service, storytelling, and cultural preservation, continuing to walk in the footsteps of those who came before, and forging a path for those still to come.