The one athlete they least expected outran all their expectations.
1983
106 Minutes
Feature Film, PG
Available on DVD
Starring Robby Benson (a sub 3-hour marathoner himself), Claudia Cron, Jeff McCracken, and Pat Hingle. Based on the true story of Oglala Lakota (Sioux) born athlete Billy Mills. Billy attended the University of Kansas in the 1960s, where he excelled in sports but had to contend with his fellow classmate’s racism. Billy’s athletic career culminated in 1964, with the winning of a gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympiad, the only American ever to win the Olympic Gold Medal in this event, even to this day. Mills’ victory is considered by many to be one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Olympic Games as world record holder Ron Clarke was in the race, finishing for the bronze medal. This title was filmed on location in Alberta and on the Edmonton and Drumheller reservations in Canada. The director was D.S. Everett (after director Donald Shebib took his name off the credits after disagreements over content), written by Henry Bean and Shirl Hendryx and music performed by Mike Post.
Billy Mills is still actively supporting running through his organization Running Strong for American Indian Youth. Mills can be seen as a motivational speaker, and has also written a book with Nicholas Sparks entitled Wokini: A Lakota Journey to Happiness and Self-Understanding. There is a version of this film released by Running Strong for American Indian Youth that includes the actual footage of the entire 10,000 meter race. A review of this motion picture was written in February, 2002 by John Nesbit entitled Native American Olympian Spirit. To obtain the common VHS version by Walt Disney Home Video version go to Amazon.com where you can also order the DVD that was released in 2005. Below is a trailer as well as some different images used to promote this film.
