Billy Mills Inspiration Essay Contest

Winners

First: Jenna Deelstra (Ogden, UT)
Second: Helen Lopez (Valley Center, CA)
Third: Jack McCarthy (Mendham, NJ)

Click on a name above to read their essay!

What is it?

USA Track & Field is holding an essay writing contest beginning February 1st and ending March 30th, 2008. A great prize will be given to the winner--see below!

Who can participate?

Any USATF youth member age eight to eighteen is encouraged to write an essay.

How do I enter?

During the 2007 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships (in Lawrence, KS) Billy Mills spoke about his love for running. The 1964 gold-medal Olympian in the 10,000 meters discussed how his passion helped him overcome adversity to be a champion. In 1,000 words or less (typed or handwritten), please describe how Billy Mills has inspired your participation in track and field and/or cross country. Even if you were not at the championships, you may use his biography or your own research to write an answer. Please include your name, age, address, phone, e-mail address, and club affiliation (if applicable) in your submission. Essays will be scored more on content rather than grammar and punctuation.

What can I win?

A poster autographed by Billy Mills and official USATF merchandise! Both the winning essay and the author's photo will be posted on the USATF website. In addition, the winner will receive a USATF t-shirt, hat, and spike bag. The runner-up will receive a USATF hat. The winners will be announced online in May.

By submitting an essay, you hereby grant a license to USATF to reproduce, use, disclose, distribute, transmit, publish, broadcast, or post your content, either on USATF's websites or elsewhere, with no liability or obligation to you. USATF is free to use any ideas, concepts, know-how, or techniques contained in your Communications for any purpose whatsoever including, but not limited to, developing, manufacturing, and marketing products using such information.