Billy Mills

LEGENDARY JAYHAWKS Billy Mills (1958-61)

Gold medalist. All-American. Hall-of-Famer. Kansas Jayhawk. All these accolades describe Billy Mills, who made his impact on the Kansas tradition with golden footprints. A two-time All-American (1958 and 1959), Mills captured the 1960 Big Eight cross country championship. He was also a part of two Big Eight Conference team titles while at KU (1958 and 1959) under head coach Bill Easton. However, Mills’ legacy at KU extends far beyond the borders of the Sunflower State. A member of the 1964 United States Olympic team, Mills won the gold medal in the 10,000 meters and set a new Olympic record. In dramatic fashion, Mills came from behind on the last lap to win the race in Tokyo and to this day, he is still the only American to win the event. Mills’ success was also evident on the track and field team, as he set a world record in the six-mile run in 1965 (27:11.6). He won two Big Eight Conference championships, capturing both the indoor and outdoor championships in 1961 and was a member of both the 1959 and 1960 NCAA championship track teams. Inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1976, Mills’ iconic statue, in which his arms are raised high, is placed on the last straightaway of Rim Rock Farm, saluting the runners for their perseverance and will to compete. In fact, the pose of Billy’s silhouette is identical to the one he struck upon winning the gold medal at the 1964 Olympics.

MILLS’ ACCOLADES

• 1958 and 1959 All-American • 1960 Big Eight Cross Country Champion • 1964 10,000 meter Olympic Gold Medalist