STURGIS, S.D. – Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills was in Sturgis Friday, and told his story to Sturgis third graders at the Community Center.
Mills spoke of his Olympic experience and the obstacles that stood in his way in achieving his dreams. In doing so, he told students to pursue their dreams.
In conjunction with his visit, Mills told third graders they would all get a copy of his book, Wings of an Eagle.
Students also heard from the book’s author, Donna Jarell Bowman, who told them about how she came to write Billy’s story and the day she finally got to meet him.
The book’s illustrator, S.D. Nelson, was also on hand to show the students how he painted the pictures featured in the book. Mills, who grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation, remains the only American athlete to win the gold medal in the 10,000 meters. Mills won the medal at the 1964 Olympics.
Illustrator S.D. Nelson shows Sturgis Third Graders how he painted the illustrations in the book Wings of an Eagle, the Billy Mills Story.