We all feel national pride as the 2008 Summer Olympics bring us all back to our roots. Now, we turn to past heroes. However, while Olympic athletes may achieve lasting glory – Michelle Kwan, Jesse Owens — history overlooks other winners.

Think of Billy Mills. The 1964 Tokyo 10,000-meter race was viewed by the world as a match between Mohammad Gammoudi of Tunisia and Ron Clarke from Australia. Early on, the race was as expected – Clarke and Gammoudi held the lead. Gammoudi jumped ahead of Clarke with two laps remaining. Clarke rallied to win, racing after Gammoudi.

Mills, an unknown man, outran both of them in a 100-meter push. Mills, an Oglala Sioux native, beat his previous time by 50 seconds, setting a new Olympic record. Mills is still the only American who has won the 10,000-meter race.

Mills won Olympic gold after setting world and U.S. record times in the six-mile race, the 10,000-meter race, and the three-mile race. He was inducted into U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1984.

Hollywood made Running Brave in 1983. It told Mills’ story. Mills was eventually forgotten by the general public. When “The Final Sprint”Magazine surveyed marathon runners and found that only 7 percent could identify Billy Mills.

Who is the one who knows the name “Billy Mills?”Mills helped the American Indian youth.

Mills, who was abandoned at 12 years of age, grew up on the poor Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Pine Ridge Reservation families still need to travel great distances to get water and heat, and many struggle to pay their bills.

Mills’ career in running supported his college education, Marine Corps service, and ultimately Olympic glory. As the national spokesperson of Running Strong for American Indian Youth, Mills (www.indianyouth.orgMills, a non-profit organization, advocates for self-empowerment.

Mills raises money to help build youth community centers and drill water wells. He also delivers food and plants gardens. Mills tirelessly works to increase awareness about American Indian poverty, and the opposition all American Indian youth face.

Mills famously stated that “Every passion has its destiny.”Mills’ passion and dedication to youth advocacy make him a hero.