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50 Years Later, Billy Mills Recalls Olympic 10K Win

Tuesday was the 50th anniversary of what is considered one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history when the virtually unknown Billy Mills won the 10,000 meter run in the 1964 Tokyo Games. In the final lap, the 26-year-old Marine from the Pine Ridge Reservation passed 10K world record holder Ron Clarke of Australia and Mohammed Gammoudi of Tunisia with a sudden burst of speed as NBC analyst Dick Banks screamed "Look at Mills! Look at Mills!"

That moment changed Mills' life and since then he's been devoted to giving back to the community. He’s the co-founder of the non-profit, Running Strong for American Indian Youth. On the occasion of the anniversary of his Olympic gold medal win, Mills announced the Dreamstarter grant program to support the Native youth's dreams for their communities.

Billy Mills joined Dakota Midday and shared memories of his famous race.

For more information on Running String for American Indian Youth's Dreamstarter program, click here.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.