Billy Mills Inspiration Essay Contest

Jenna Deelstra, age 16 (Ogden, Utah) - 1st place

I was standing in line inside the stadium at Idaho University, I had finished my events for the meet and was interested to see who was there to sign autographs. I moved up to the table, sliding the book I was having them sign to each one. When I got to Dick Fosbury, he asked what events I competed in. I told him distance, he said, "Well, then that's the man you'll want to talk to right there," gesturing to someone sitting beside him. When I looked over, I was met with startling hazel eyes, the eyes of Billy Mills. He had a quiet strength about him, he spoke softly, yet with a profound confidence that couldn't be questioned. He was the very image I believed an Olympic athlete to be. He was more humble than I could have ever expected. Little did I know that I was going to find this man to be such an inspiration for my running.

Upon returning home, I wanted to learn more about him and his running career. I had seen the movie Running Brave. When I read his story and watched the film, I realized what similarities there were between our running. He became extremely dehydrated during the marathon in Tokyo, I was severely dehydrated at our region cross-country meet and collapsed before the finish line. My goal had been to finish in the top three, but I was taken in an ambulance instead with my team being one point from making it to state. In college, Billy Mills struggled with confidence. I strained my hamstring, laying me off of speed workouts for weeks. I was still able to qualify for state, but at the state meet, I had an emotional breakdown due to doubt and frustration with my injury; I didn't finish the race. I have never felt more shame and despair in my life.

I have worked myself back through dedication and remembering why I run and what I feel when I succeed. By seeing a man overcome such great odds to become a giant in Olympic history, I know that I can turn my struggles into successes. We just suppose that great people must have been born with great lives, that they were given their talents with no serious effort; but in reading Billy Mills' history, I see that it took everything he had to preserve his dreams of running in the Olympics and to win.

When looking at the achievements of Billy Mills, I am impressed by his commitment to Indian youth and running. Through years of discrimination and misconceptions, he has not forgotten what has made him different, what has made him great. He represented his people who had been left to the harsh biases of the time. When I think of legends within the running community, Billy Mills stands out in my mind because of his important role in inspiring youth to get active and strive for their dreams- no matter their situation. I see his efforts and feel that I, too, can help with this cause by remembering we are all equal and deserve the chance to prove ourselves.

Whenever I feel disheartened or have disbelief in my abilities, I remember where Billy Mills came from and what he began, he changed how the American Indian was viewed in society and athletics. I know the dreams I have set before myself are achievable because he fulfilled his own dreams and opened the door for others to create that same dream. Running knows neither race nor prejudice; within the realms of running, you are truly what you set yourself to become. People may come along to disturb that idea, but the concept remains the same.

I am so lucky to have met this man, it may have only been to get an autograph, but it has given me the chance to better understand myself and the great sport in which I compete. I have come to realize there are no limits, only the boundaries we place for ourselves, and they can only contain that which we allow them. Billy Mills broke all boundaries, he represented his people and showed the world what it means to have determination. As Billy Mills' father once said, "Live your life as a warrior," I must incorporate this principle into my life and pursue my own destiny through working diligently to accomplish my goals.