On Wikipedia, it says that Mills' accomplishment is considered a great Olympic upset.
What the hell is that supposed to mean? We're supposed to be upset that this guy managed to win as opposed to the others? I don't understand the logic behind that statement.
It was one of the greatest Olympic upsets. I take it from your statement you don't follow sports at all. An upset is when the favorite gets beaten. It doesn't mean that we are opposed to the others being beaten. When the U.S. hockey team beat the Soviets in the 80 Olympics that was an upset.
shareI see. Thanks for clearing that up.
shareHe finished 3rd in the USA.Olympic trials.
He was considered just part of the race, the other 2 Americans were favorite to finish in the top 10.
Ron Clarke of Australia was the favorite, he had sat a record a year before. Billy Mills ran in borrowed shoes, because he presume a threat.So they didn't want to wast smokey on Olympic style shoes.
The rest is history...
No American man had ever won the Olympic 10K before. All his career, Mills had been told that Native Americans have endurance, but not speed. Mills showed that was bullshit. I interviewed both Billy Mills and Robbie Benson about this movie for Running magazine. I’m kinda up on the subject. Please eschew fucking Wikipedia.
Billy Mills inspired me to run.