In 1964, an unranked, unseen underdog stepped onto the Olympic track in Tokyo with nothing but grit, grief, and a dream. His name was Billy Mills — a young Lakota runner who had battled poverty, prejudice, and personal tragedy long before he ever faced the starting line.

What happened next became one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history.

In this episode, Jessica uncovers the extraordinary journey behind the man no one believed could win, and the final lap that stunned the world. From his struggles on the Pine Ridge Reservation to the race that redefined possibility, this is the story of resilience, identity, and an unbelievable sprint into immortality.

One race. One shot. Billy Mills.

Expect plenty of “Wait, what?!” moments, Brandon’s sarcastic commentary, and Jessica's several rants.

🎙️ Put A Pin In It — Wild, weird & wonderful stories from around the world, told with way too many tangents and way too much fun.

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Sources:

• Indianyouth.org - Billy Mills - Olympic Champion &  Co-Founder of Running Strong for American Indian Youth
• Olympics.com - Billy Mill Biography
• usopm.org - Spotlight - Billy Mills: A Miraculous Comeback
• americanindianmagazine.org - Dreaming Strong: Billy Mills Survives through the Olympics - by James Ring Adams
• Runningpast.com - Billy Mills 
• The Olympians.co - Billy Mills and the Miracle 10,000 meter Race Part 2: Rising Above Hurt, Hate, Jealousy, and Self Pity - by Roy Tomizawa
• wbur.org - I Healed A Broken Soul: Billy Mills Unexpected 1964 win
• re-member.org - About the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
• Haskellhistory.com