Billy Mills is the only American to have ever won the Olympic gold medal in the 10,000-meter run. A Lakota Sioux raised in one of the poorest communities in America, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Mills was orphaned as a young boy, facing prejudice and cultural discrimination most of his childhood life. It was through a running scholarship to the University of Kansas that he was able to leave the reservation.
While in college, Mills accepted a commission as an officer in the US Marine Corps, which allowed him to cultivate his winning spirit and rich heritage. He began by running 30 miles a week and eventually worked up to 100 miles every week. Basic training and an excellent track and field program helped Mills qualify for the 1964 Olympics in the 10,000-meter run and the marathon. His victory in the 10,000-meter run is often called one of greatest upsets in Olympic history.
In 1983, Mills' quest for excellence was released on the big screen. Running Brave, starring Robby Benson as Mills, follows his life from childhood through his Olympic victory.
Mills is a national spokesperson for Christian Relief Services and has helped raise over $300 million. He is also the founder of Running Strong for American Indian Youth, an organization that helps Native American youth programs.
Since the 1964 Olympic Games, Mills has become one of the most empowering Olympic speakers on the platform. He has helped thousands of corporations and associations throughout America reach within the depths of their capabilities and perform to the greatest of their potential. Mills has appeared in a number of television commercials and has made numerous appearances on shows such as the Discovery Channel's Ultimate Athlete, HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, and countless other athletic specials. He has also published articles in Visions Magazine, American Athletics Magazine, The College Digest Magazine, and Sports Travel Magazine.
In 1990, Mills published Wokini, Lakota for "new life, a life of peace, and happiness." In it, Mills discusses achieving happiness and urges readers to embark on a personal journey to find satisfaction in life. Wokini blends traditional Native American beliefs with modern therapeutic principles.
His latest work is The City Itself, published in 2017. He has also authored Lares/Manes: Collected Poems (2009) and Imaginary Gardens (2012).
Sharing his personal schema for success, Billy Mills explains how he has been able to unleash the passion and energy within himself to achieve phenomenal success in sport and life. Recalling his legendary 10,000 meter run—the greatest upset in Olympic history—he outlines his value-based concept on how dreams come true, a system which continues to inspire thousands of individuals across America today.
Our world is changing: entire governments have been dismantled, new governments created, existing governments redesigned, universities re-engineered, and businesses reconstructed. Billy Mills shares what remains constant in our ever-changing world and explains how this consistency is our key to global unity.
He takes his audience on a compassionate and powerful journey through time, weaving stories of his young life as an orphaned Native American child living in poverty and coming face to face with racism, and explains that it was the daily choices he made in life, not just the talent he possessed, that led to his quest for Olympic glory.
In this powerful presentation, Mills explains that it is the journey, not the destination, that shapes us as individuals and unites us as a people.
How do I book Billy Mills to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Billy Mills for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Billy Mills, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Billy Mills or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Billy Mills for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Billy Mills, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Billy Mills are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Billy Mills, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Billy Mills speak about?
Billy Mills is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Inspirational, Olympic Sports, Authors, Native American Heritage, Sports Motivation, Faith & Religion, Diversity, College, Motivational, Athlete, Sports, Political, Culture, Social Activism and Indigenous Heritage.
Where does Billy Mills travel from?
Billy Mills generally travels from Sacramento, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Billy Mills?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Billy Mills for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Billy Mills for your next private or corporate function.
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Billy Mills is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Inspirational, Olympic Sports and Authors. The estimated speaking fee range to book Billy Mills for live events is Below $10,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Billy Mills generally travels from Sacramento, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Gyasi Ross, Winona LaDuke and Carrie Billy. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Billy Mills for an upcoming event.
Sharing his personal schema for success, Billy Mills explains how he has been able to unleash the passion and energy within himself to achieve phenomenal success in sport and life. Recalling his legendary 10,000 meter run—the greatest upset in Olympic history—he outlines his value-based concept on how dreams come true, a system which continues to inspire thousands of individuals across America today.
Our world is changing: entire governments have been dismantled, new governments created, existing governments redesigned, universities re-engineered, and businesses reconstructed. Billy Mills shares what remains constant in our ever-changing world and explains how this consistency is our key to global unity.
He takes his audience on a compassionate and powerful journey through time, weaving stories of his young life as an orphaned Native American child living in poverty and coming face to face with racism, and explains that it was the daily choices he made in life, not just the talent he possessed, that led to his quest for Olympic glory.
In this powerful presentation, Mills explains that it is the journey, not the destination, that shapes us as individuals and unites us as a people.
Billy Mills is one of America's Treasures. He was outstanding and a great addition to our Native American Heritage Night!
I Rise Foundation
- Nov 10 2022
Everything was great. From the beginning, representatives were always in touch. Even letting us know if they were waiting for information from the talent, they would always touch base letting us know they were working on.
American Chemical Society
- Dec 01 2020
We had a wonderful exchange of information via email, talked several times, and things went extremely smoothly! Great experience!!
National Center for Families Learning
- Oct 16 2017
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