Pure human emotion unfortunately was punished. That particular announcer was summarily fired, removed from the games by CBS and sent home after that burst of emotion. Unfair, sad but true.
I know, so ridiculous. I get chills from that emotion but I just had the opportunity to meet Billy Mills and he said the announcer was fired and not paid.
I have never heard such a pure reaction to anything EVER. His reaction couldn’t have been more perfect. He was fired by NBC for his reaction and he has probably never been so proud to be fired. I would have been very proud to be fired for my reaction, it would have been the most worthwhile thing I had ever done in my life, and I would do it again without hesitation. I bet Dick Banks would do the same thing. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being human.
That was literally the best reactive sports call ever. Just screaming his head off. LOOK AT.... LOOK AT BILL! LOOK AT BILL!......... WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!! Rumor has it he is still screaming to this day
Can you imagine Al Michaels back in 1980 at the Winter Games being fired for exclaiming "Do you believe in miracles?!!!" when the USA upset the Russians in hockey?
Don't think I've ever seen a runner in a middle distance race be able to finish with an all out sprint like that, that was pure inspiration and commitment. That was not a "kick", it was an all out "sprint", and it seemingly came out of nowhere. You just don't see that, I've watched a lot of T&F in my 63 years and have still never seen anything that even remotely resembles that. Astonishing. Anybody that runs races at any level has probably had a moment or two where they've been able to "tap into" something that seems "incongruous" with what they've been able to do before that's maybe propelled them to a PR or an accomplishment that didn't seem likely or possible. Billy Mills had his on the biggest stage in the world, and he's a legend because of it.
To give everyone a good idea, these gentlemen are running at roughly a 4:30 pace. 10,000m = 10km = 6.2 miles. That is BLAZINGLY fast. Additionally, to conjure up a ferocious finishing kick to win the race when all of the glycogen is drained from your legs is simply inconceivable... This was all adrenaline and heart. I still get goosebumps. Go Bill Mills!
I remember watching this on TV in '64, and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It honestly looked like an illusion when seen in real time, as it happened. It still gives me chills to watch this. It really surpasses any athletic feat I have ever seen. I really still can't understand how Mills literally flew those last 50 metres to the finish. I could watch this a million times and get goosebumps every time.
I remember the first time I saw this clip also. It did look unreal! 10,000 meters and at the finish he comes out of nowhere looking like he is coming out of the blocks in a 100m dash!
For anyone interested, I am a friend of Dick Bank, the ecstatic voice you hear over Bud Palmer's broadcast commentary of this superhuman race and the man NBC fired because of it. I've known Dick since 1996 and was completely unaware of this video until it came to my attention recently. My significant other watched it with me and said he remembers this race as if it were yesterday... I called Dick and asked him to tell me his recollections of the race and his experience with NBC. More to follow.
Dick Banks, the one who says "Look at Mills! Look at Mills!!' was not only fired the next day, NBC refused to pay him for his Olympic work, he had to threaten legal action to get paid. He said he never held ill feelings against the network. Still incredible excitement in Olympic history. I'm glad it survived the years to find a home on UA-cam!
I'm so proud of you Billy I was born two years after this event I am half Apache half Mexican maybe all Apaches are half Mexican if you know your history I play this over and over it inspires me over and over in all runs of life way to go mighty Warrior !!!
Still gives me goosebumps watchin' it. The US Olympic team didn't even give him a pair of sneakers (they gave them to all their runners). That's the man right there...
Truly divine. Each and every time I watch this (at least a hundred in three years) I get tears in my eyes. Call me a sap -- this is such a beautiful moment in human history.
As it says in Isaiah 40:31 - ". . . they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." This was a moment in time for and from the Creator, and Billy Mills rose to the challenge. Absolutely inspiring!
I meet Mr Billy Mills while attending YVCC and out photo of us shaking hands hangs up on the office wall. My dad a Navy man couldn't believe I met the 10, 000 K Gold Medal winner until I show my dad the photo of me and Billy Mills shaking hands. I am the one who can not believe I met the man to this day. Billy Mills is a true human with a golden heart and a 10K Gold Medal.
I shed a tear every time i see this. Not only because my Oglala Lakota brother won. But because my reservation has world class talent and is consumed with drugs, alcohol and evil spirits! I pray GOD has mercy on my people!
Just watched Fisher win the Bronze for the US Paris 24 and had to revisit this. Fisher talked about being inspired by Mills and says he got a signed t shirt from and met him.
Listen to me, this gives me goosebumps... no matter how many times I watch it... serious goosebumps. The passion and the wonder of this victory. I am an elementary teacher and I do not spend my money frivolously, but I did buy a poster showing Billy Mills crossing the finish line and proudly put it on display in the hallway of our school. His victory stands in my memory as one of passion, pride, and glory.
I could watch that 500 times and NEVER get tired of it!!! It’s just one of the all time great Olympic images that are engrained in our brains. Holy crap it’s so cool to watch!!
This remains my #1 Summer Olympic moment of all time. Back in 1964, we didn't have cable and we didn't have the total coverage we have now. If you wanted to watch the events live, you had to stay up late or get up early, but that's exactly what many of us did back then. We were not watching a race that had been recorded hours earlier, and we did not already know who the winner was, so it was as nail-biting a finish as I've ever seen. The only Olympic moment that compares was my #1 Winter Olympic moment -- men's ice hockey, 1980, U.S. vs. U.S.S.R. What a blessing to have seen both events live.
When you feel beat down, this clip never fails to inspire. Watch it with the sound off one time, and then close your eyes and listen to it with the sound up the next time. Just an amazing moment.
Mills is coming on! That call still gives me goose bumps. I thought Bud Greenspan did a piece on MIlls but I have never seen it anywhere. Perhaps the greatest upset in Olympic history. Very, very inspirational.
Thanks for this version of Billy Mill's fantastic race. The slow motion portion just makes that incredible kick even more jaw dropping. He made the other best runners in the world look like they were running in molasses at the end.
Right? Without UA-cam, I probably never would have got to experience this race and that achievement. And Dick Banks epic LOOK AT MILLS! call. One of my absolute favorite inspirational or sporting clips.
The announcer who shouted "Look at Mills! Look at Mills!" is Dick Bank, a well-known track expert in the day. The funny thing here is the lead announcer, Bud Palmer, referring to "Bill Mills," when everyone in the sport referred to him as BILLY Mills.
I'd love to hear Billy Mills speak. He is done great things with his life. What an incredible finish!!! The power of putting in all the work, then believing you can.
I have a poster with all of the greatest US Olympians of all time on it. At the top is the iconic photo of Mills crossing the finish line. When I first watched this I went and noticed Mills was on my poster which made me very happy. I got a piece of paper and wrote LOOK AT MILLS and taped it on the poster next to his picture and it hangs above my bed. I look at it every day and can hear the announcers' voice screaming that phrase haha. Gives me motivation to be a speedster like him accept I run shorter events haha
Gah! That makes me tear up every time I watch it!!!! His kick at the end amazes me and how high he raises his knees in his stride is sheer power!!!! What a stride too!!!! Simply amaZING!!!!
@BatmanRobbins270 There is nothing you can possibly dislike about this video. I love how he gets pushed out with about 320 meters left and doesn't lose any composure. (On the Olympic stage, I'm sure most people would lose composure after getting pushed like that.) Instead, he recuperates and chargers up for an epically deadly kick in the last 100m. Way to be, Billy
I want Billy to carry the Olympic torch in LA if we are so lucky to still have him around in 2028. How incredible would it be to see him carry it, even light the cauldron if possible. They should also play this video after he receives the torch and his name is announced. The whole world should see his incredible accomplishment.
Amazing video footage of one of the greatest 10K races in Olympic history. Mills also ran the marathon in that same Olympics (in very respectable 2 hours, 22minutes and 55.4 seconds) Go Billy!
The announcer (Dick Bank) was fired for screaming "Look at Mills! Look at Mills!" ... the main announcer, Bud Palmer, seemed to miss what was actually happening until Dick Bank yelled for him to look at Mills.
MORE ABOUT FIRED NBC COMMENTATOR DICK BANK: It has been forty-seven years after his emotional call heralding Billy Mill's great victory in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics. For me, watching this video was as exciting as if I could have watched it live for the first time. I couldn't wait to call Dick to ask him more about it and am glad I could post more info here. He went on to produce thirty jazz recordings for Fresh Sound Records. The last two were reviewed in the Wall Street Journal.
Have anyone heard about Sri Lankan Athlete R. Karunananda and his courage on this event..? He was 4 Rounds behind to Billy's victory, though he ran alone till the end. Whole pavilion cheered him up for his courage in this Olympic.
My late dad tried out for the 1964 Olympics in middle distance running. I'd like to think he lost to Mills at this distance in the trials. He spoke of the mills race in the Olympics on a few occasions.
Makes me proud of both of the nations I represent. Lakota-US People. Fitness and health are everything in life. Don't let anyone tell you different. I love you Billy Mills. You have served your people well. Keep up the good work. My kids appreciate everything that you stand for in our family. Washte!
And for one of the greatest spontaneous, enthusiastic and joyous sports calls of all time, Dick Bank was fired by the stuffed shirts at NBC for being 'very unprofessional.' On top of that, the network tried to stiff him on his Olympic paycheck until his brother-in-law attorney threatened to step in and sue their asses. This was Billy Mills' day, running 50 seconds faster than he'd ever done in this event before. Watching one of the biggest upset finishes ever still chokes me up. Thanks so much for posting.
Ron Clarke bumped Mills off his line on the bell lap and he almost stumbled, then Gammoudi strong arms them both out of the way. I am sure Mills was determined at that point not to take any more of that and sprint by when he had the opening to do it!
When I am having a bad day and down, I will search for this video just to get a peek at someone that had a plan, tried his hardest and won. It always brings a smile to my face.
MORE ABOUT FIRED NBC COMMENTATOR DICK BANK: "I had a video cassette which was given to me and I lost when my home was destroyed by fire in November, 1990. So I haven't seen it in over a quarter of a century. Barbara Smit in her book, "Sneaker Wars," the story of Adidas and Puma, quoted exactly what I had said. It wasn't as I remembered. I do know that I had no voice and was in tears at the end of the race. Ron Clarke was a dear friend whom I had met at the Melbourne Games in 1956; ..." More>
MORE ABOUT FIRED NBC COMMENTATOR DICK BANK: I can safely say that it was the thrill of my lifetime. I had organized the Los Angeles Track Club in 1962, brought the famed Hungarian coach Mihaly Igloi to Los Angeles hoping to bring American distance running up to the highest level. For Bob Schul, Igloi-trained, to later win the 5000 meters was simply too much to comprehend." More to follow:
One of my earliest Olympics Memories was watching this race with my Father and Uncle. I'm currently 67. I remember saying at least a few times, the American is still there. What a Race. Thank You Billy Mills. Who I believe, Is Still, The Only American to win the 10,000m in the Olympics.
A thrilling finish! When you consider that 10,000 meters is more than six miles, it's amazing that the ending was so close. Ron Clarke of Australia was similar to Jim Ryun of the USA, in that both were fantastic long-distance runners who couldn't get it done in the Olympics. Gammoudi was an excellent runner who eventually won gold in Mexico City (5000 meters).
Wow! Thank you Betty Max for sharing this inspiring insight. This story belongs in a newspaper. Send my regards to Dick Bank. His commentary is rated GOLD. Wait till 2014, the world and NBC will know!!!
I’m an old man now and cry sometimes about life. Over the years I have passed this video along to my children hoping they will understand. I did it again in 2023 and the middle child understood.
A great lesson here in the finishing kick: watch Mills get up on his toes in that final stretch...that's the key. I've practiced this in my 200m & 400m repeats and it allows me to go significantly faster
This is the best sports call of all time. Pure human emotion coming out unfiltered.
Adam Bruss only outdone by The Play, Berkeley over Stanford in the Big Game
Pure human emotion unfortunately was punished. That particular announcer was summarily fired, removed from the games by CBS and sent home after that burst of emotion. Unfair, sad but true.
I watch it at everyday for inspiration. Incredible that he had so much left in the tank after running hard for almost 30 minutes. I salute him.
I know, so ridiculous. I get chills from that emotion but I just had the opportunity to meet Billy Mills and he said the announcer was fired and not paid.
He got fired because he showed emotion? That's nuts!!
I have never heard such a pure reaction to anything EVER. His reaction couldn’t have been more perfect. He was fired by NBC for his reaction and he has probably never been so proud to be fired. I would have been very proud to be fired for my reaction, it would have been the most worthwhile thing I had ever done in my life, and I would do it again without hesitation. I bet Dick Banks would do the same thing. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being human.
That was literally the best reactive sports call ever. Just screaming his head off. LOOK AT.... LOOK AT BILL! LOOK AT BILL!......... WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!
Rumor has it he is still screaming to this day
Can you imagine Al Michaels back in 1980 at the Winter Games being fired for exclaiming "Do you believe in miracles?!!!" when the USA upset the Russians in hockey?
Top ten sports call of all time
He almost cut himself off at the start of the call as well. But the emotion over came him
Still to this very day, Billy Mills is the only American to have ever Won Gold in the Olympic 10,000 Meters
That "LOOK AT MILLS!!!" just makes the hairs on my neck stand up! Absolutely riveting!
All the time bro
You're right. I remember seeing that when I was a kid and that call told me this was something special. And it was!
I want that "Look at mills, Look at Mills" as a ringtone
Would you believe that he got fired for doing that.
@@TheGiantKillers But his call is now legendary.
WOW!!!!!! What a sprint.
He finished like he was running the 100m, not the 10,000. Pure heart.
Don't think I've ever seen a runner in a middle distance race be able to finish with an all out sprint like that, that was pure inspiration and commitment. That was not a "kick", it was an all out "sprint", and it seemingly came out of nowhere. You just don't see that, I've watched a lot of T&F in my 63 years and have still never seen anything that even remotely resembles that. Astonishing.
Anybody that runs races at any level has probably had a moment or two where they've been able to "tap into" something that seems "incongruous" with what they've been able to do before that's maybe propelled them to a PR or an accomplishment that didn't seem likely or possible. Billy Mills had his on the biggest stage in the world, and he's a legend because of it.
To give everyone a good idea, these gentlemen are running at roughly a 4:30 pace. 10,000m = 10km = 6.2 miles. That is BLAZINGLY fast. Additionally, to conjure up a ferocious finishing kick to win the race when all of the glycogen is drained from your legs is simply inconceivable... This was all adrenaline and heart. I still get goosebumps. Go Bill Mills!
... and it was his personal best by some 50 seconds.
My uncle was an olympic alternate in 1964. He roomed with Billy Mill's during training and he said he was one of the nicest people he ever met.
Andrew * Awesome! 👍🏻
He came to speak at North Dakota State back in 2017 and I got to meet him. Delightful human being, it was a tremendous honor to meet him
My dad also ran middle distances and did trials in 1964. Richard O. Vehlow (1942-2005).
He seems like a delight
"LOOK AT MILLS! LOOK AT MILLS!" I love it! This is awesome. Billy Mills is Awesome, luv him
He's saying "Look at Bill."
You're wrong. He very clearly says "Look at Mills! Look at Mills!".
Yup, really, really clear.
Announcer got fired over yelling " look at Mills look at Mills".
@@jimcramer3780 Fired on the spot!
I remember watching this on TV in '64, and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It honestly looked like an illusion when seen in real time, as it happened. It still gives me chills to watch this. It really surpasses any athletic feat I have ever seen. I really still can't understand how Mills literally flew those last 50 metres to the finish. I could watch this a million times and get goosebumps every time.
I remember the first time I saw this clip also. It did look unreal! 10,000 meters and at the finish he comes out of nowhere looking like he is coming out of the blocks in a 100m dash!
Me too, Doc....
That’s bad ass you witnessed this back in 1964 wow! I’m born 1985 btw lol
@@chrisr8159 just floating with his kick
Indescribable! It's almost like he found his can of spinach and just rocketed past. I can hear the Popeye Spinach fanfare.
I tear up every time I see this. What an amazing burst of speed at the end of a 10,000m. Such a great inspiration to never quit.
He truly had wings of an eagle at that point in the race. His spirit carries him past the others.
One of the greatest Olympic performances of all-time. Billy Mills was a true champion - and still is today. Semper Fi Billy.
For anyone interested, I am a friend of Dick Bank, the ecstatic voice you hear over Bud Palmer's broadcast commentary of this superhuman race and the man NBC fired because of it. I've known Dick since 1996 and was completely unaware of this video until it came to my attention recently. My significant other watched it with me and said he remembers this race as if it were yesterday... I called Dick and asked him to tell me his recollections of the race and his experience with NBC. More to follow.
Thank you Mr. Billy Mills! Im Navajo and Apache this makes me proud.
Totally agree, I'm Caddo, Lenape and Pawnee. Yes Mills does all us Natives proud.
1:51: Sixty years later, Billy Mills remains the only American to win the gold medal in the 10,000 meter race at the Olympics
Dick Banks, the one who says "Look at Mills! Look at Mills!!' was not only fired the next day, NBC refused to pay him for his Olympic work, he had to threaten legal action to get paid. He said he never held ill feelings against the network. Still incredible excitement in Olympic history. I'm glad it survived the years to find a home on UA-cam!
One of the great calls in sports history.
I'm so proud of you Billy I was born two years after this event I am half Apache half Mexican maybe all Apaches are half Mexican if you know your history I play this over and over it inspires me over and over in all runs of life way to go mighty Warrior !!!
Still gives me goosebumps watchin' it. The US Olympic team didn't even give him a pair of sneakers (they gave them to all their runners). That's the man right there...
Adidas didn't give him shoes..... They equipped the American Team. The rep for Adidas denied him shoes not Team USA themselves.
One of the greatest moments in sports history!
PERIOD!
Indeed.. best call ever
Truly divine. Each and every time I watch this (at least a hundred in three years) I get tears in my eyes. Call me a sap -- this is such a beautiful moment in human history.
Right with you!
One of my favorite calls of all time. Such a crazy finish with the leaders lapping other runners.
One of my all time favorite videos. That final kick was unbelievable.
As it says in Isaiah 40:31 - ". . . they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." This was a moment in time for and from the Creator, and Billy Mills rose to the challenge. Absolutely inspiring!
Amen Hoka hey!
I meet Mr Billy Mills while attending YVCC and out photo of us shaking hands hangs up on the office wall. My dad a Navy man couldn't believe I met the 10, 000 K Gold Medal winner until I show my dad the photo of me and Billy Mills shaking hands. I am the one who can not believe I met the man to this day. Billy Mills is a true human with a golden heart and a 10K Gold Medal.
joslyn moses our school name is billy mills and he cane to our school and made an amazing speech!!
I shed a tear every time i see this. Not only because my Oglala Lakota brother won. But because my reservation has world class talent and is consumed with drugs, alcohol and evil spirits! I pray GOD has mercy on my people!
my prayers for your beautiful people from NZ
Just watched Fisher win the Bronze for the US Paris 24 and had to revisit this. Fisher talked about being inspired by Mills and says he got a signed t shirt from and met him.
Listen to me, this gives me goosebumps... no matter how many times I watch it... serious goosebumps. The passion and the wonder of this victory. I am an elementary teacher and I do not spend my money frivolously, but I did buy a poster showing Billy Mills crossing the finish line and proudly put it on display in the hallway of our school. His victory stands in my memory as one of passion, pride, and glory.
I could tell you were a teacher when you started out your post with "Listen to me."
Billy Mills thank you for all Americans. Monster kick at the end.
I could watch that 500 times and NEVER get tired of it!!! It’s just one of the all time great Olympic images that are engrained in our brains. Holy crap it’s so cool to watch!!
This remains my #1 Summer Olympic moment of all time. Back in 1964, we didn't have cable and we didn't have the total coverage we have now. If you wanted to watch the events live, you had to stay up late or get up early, but that's exactly what many of us did back then. We were not watching a race that had been recorded hours earlier, and we did not already know who the winner was, so it was as nail-biting a finish as I've ever seen. The only Olympic moment that compares was my #1 Winter Olympic moment -- men's ice hockey, 1980, U.S. vs. U.S.S.R. What a blessing to have seen both events live.
When you feel beat down, this clip never fails to inspire. Watch it with the sound off one time, and then close your eyes and listen to it with the sound up the next time. Just an amazing moment.
Mills is coming on! That call still gives me goose bumps. I thought Bud Greenspan did a piece on MIlls but I have never seen it anywhere.
Perhaps the greatest upset in Olympic history. Very, very inspirational.
Thanks for this version of Billy Mill's fantastic race. The slow motion portion just makes that incredible kick even more jaw dropping. He made the other best runners in the world look like they were running in molasses at the end.
Billy Mills ran with so much heart, he deserves every bit of that gold medal. what an amazing finish =].
This is one of the ten greatest things on UA-cam.
Right? Without UA-cam, I probably never would have got to experience this race and that achievement. And Dick Banks epic LOOK AT MILLS! call. One of my absolute favorite inspirational or sporting clips.
I've seen this several times and still get chills when I see him pass the others. I even got chills watching the slo-mo replay!
That sprint was pure dertimination, just a fantastic moment and call in general.
The announcer who shouted "Look at Mills! Look at Mills!" is Dick Bank, a well-known track expert in the day. The funny thing here is the lead announcer, Bud Palmer, referring to "Bill Mills," when everyone in the sport referred to him as BILLY Mills.
Bank was fired for acting unprofessionally. Yet, this might be the greatest call of all time.
@Joshua David James Totally agree. Gives me chills every time I listen to it.
Two of my favorite finishes; this one by Mills and the 800M finish in the 1972 Munich Games.
I'd love to hear Billy Mills speak. He is done great things with his life. What an incredible finish!!! The power of putting in all the work, then believing you can.
There are a few of his speeches here on UA-cam. He has lived a truly wonderful life.
Both announcer and runner overcome with emotion. As raw as it gets!
One of the most famous come backs in history! The narrator's enthusiasm was amazing!
I have a poster with all of the greatest US Olympians of all time on it. At the top is the iconic photo of Mills crossing the finish line. When I first watched this I went and noticed Mills was on my poster which made me very happy. I got a piece of paper and wrote LOOK AT MILLS and taped it on the poster next to his picture and it hangs above my bed. I look at it every day and can hear the announcers' voice screaming that phrase haha. Gives me motivation to be a speedster like him accept I run shorter events haha
This is one of my favorite sports moments of all time.
Gah! That makes me tear up every time I watch it!!!! His kick at the end amazes me and how high he raises his knees in his stride is sheer power!!!! What a stride too!!!! Simply amaZING!!!!
This will never get old.
@BatmanRobbins270 There is nothing you can possibly dislike about this video. I love how he gets pushed out with about 320 meters left and doesn't lose any composure. (On the Olympic stage, I'm sure most people would lose composure after getting pushed like that.) Instead, he recuperates and chargers up for an epically deadly kick in the last 100m. Way to be, Billy
I want Billy to carry the Olympic torch in LA if we are so lucky to still have him around in 2028. How incredible would it be to see him carry it, even light the cauldron if possible. They should also play this video after he receives the torch and his name is announced. The whole world should see his incredible accomplishment.
It's 60 years later and this is still one of the United States' top Olympic moments, summer or winter.
How in the world did he do that? Looked like he was running the 100 meters at the end. Unbelievable kick, incredible!
Amazing! I remember watching the movie as a kid. To see the actual footage gives me chills. Semper Fi Billy Mills!
Amazing video footage of one of the greatest 10K races in Olympic history. Mills also ran the marathon in that same Olympics (in very respectable 2 hours, 22minutes and 55.4 seconds) Go Billy!
Every time I watch this. It always keeps me wanting to run. Its suspense never seems to fail. I love to run.
The announcer (Dick Bank) was fired for screaming "Look at Mills! Look at Mills!" ... the main announcer, Bud Palmer, seemed to miss what was actually happening until Dick Bank yelled for him to look at Mills.
Give me Dick Bank any day over that dry, emotionless Palmer!
What really sucks is that the commentator who screamed "Look at Mills! Look at Mills!" was fired for that. Really? that was one of the best parts!
Why did 4 people give his a thumbs down? This is one of the best moments in U.S. track!
4 out of nearly 2000 is insignificant. It is about 0.2%.
They accidentally hit the button and didn’t check…that’s the only plausible explanation.
Foreigners
Billy Mills and Dave Wottle (1972, Munich). The best. 10,000m and 800m, I realize, but two birds of a feather.
I googled the announcer and his name was Dick Bank. He did get fired before the end of the games. He passed in February of ‘20.
One of the greatest moments in Olympic history. What a push. Wow.
The BEST 10,000 meter race in Olympic History
The most inspiring thing I have ever seen!!!!
Hey Charles. Good call. The announcer adds to it. Look up Dave Wottle's 800 in 1972 in Munich. Up there with Billy's stunner.
You're right!!
Look at Mills! LOOK AT MILLS!!!!
It's just as big a thrill as it was 48 years ago. That broadcaster's call was great
MORE ABOUT FIRED NBC COMMENTATOR DICK BANK:
It has been forty-seven years after his emotional call heralding Billy Mill's great victory in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics. For me, watching this video was as exciting as if I could have watched it live for the first time. I couldn't wait to call Dick to ask him more about it and am glad I could post more info here. He went on to produce thirty jazz recordings for Fresh Sound Records. The last two were reviewed in the Wall Street Journal.
Still makes my hair stand up when he says "Look at Mills Look at Mills!"
Have anyone heard about Sri Lankan Athlete R. Karunananda and his courage on this event..? He was 4 Rounds behind to Billy's victory, though he ran alone till the end. Whole pavilion cheered him up for his courage in this Olympic.
He ran 34.21.
My late dad tried out for the 1964 Olympics in middle distance running. I'd like to think he lost to Mills at this distance in the trials. He spoke of the mills race in the Olympics on a few occasions.
Billy Mills, Legend!!!
haha the chills!!! that commentator is awesome!! we need more of him commentating on races!
I still get chills watching this!!!!! What a finish by Mills!!!!
still the only American Gold in the 10000m Olympics - ever!
B Dixon Rupp came close in London, but Mo is too good
i met billy mills at soccer camp in new mexico. it was a great to meet him!!!
Makes me proud of both of the nations I represent. Lakota-US People. Fitness and health are everything in life. Don't let anyone tell you different. I love you Billy Mills. You have served your people well. Keep up the good work. My kids appreciate everything that you stand for in our family.
Washte!
Pure joy that almost sent him into tears
And for one of the greatest spontaneous, enthusiastic and joyous sports calls of all time, Dick Bank was fired by the stuffed shirts at NBC for being 'very unprofessional.' On top of that, the network tried to stiff him on his Olympic paycheck until his brother-in-law attorney threatened to step in and sue their asses.
This was Billy Mills' day, running 50 seconds faster than he'd ever done in this event before. Watching one of the biggest upset finishes ever still chokes me up. Thanks so much for posting.
50 seconds, that's more than impressive.
He's just simply AMAZINGGG!!...What an athlete!!!!
Ron Clarke bumped Mills off his line on the bell lap and he almost stumbled, then Gammoudi strong arms them both out of the way. I am sure Mills was determined at that point not to take any more of that and sprint by when he had the opening to do it!
When I am having a bad day and down, I will search for this video just to get a peek at someone that had a plan, tried his hardest and won. It always brings a smile to my face.
MORE ABOUT FIRED NBC COMMENTATOR DICK BANK:
"I had a video cassette which was given to me and I lost when my home was destroyed by fire in November, 1990. So I haven't seen it in over a quarter of a century. Barbara Smit in her book, "Sneaker Wars," the story of Adidas and Puma, quoted exactly what I had said. It wasn't as I remembered. I do know that I had no voice and was in tears at the end of the race. Ron Clarke was a dear friend whom I had met at the Melbourne Games in 1956; ..."
More>
MORE ABOUT FIRED NBC COMMENTATOR DICK BANK:
I can safely say that it was the thrill of my lifetime. I had organized the Los Angeles Track Club in 1962, brought the famed Hungarian coach Mihaly Igloi to Los Angeles hoping to bring American distance running up to the highest level. For Bob Schul, Igloi-trained, to later win the 5000 meters was simply too much to comprehend."
More to follow:
goosebumps, every time i hear the announcer scream
One of my earliest Olympics Memories was watching this race with my Father and Uncle. I'm currently 67. I remember saying at least a few times, the American is still there. What a Race. Thank You Billy Mills. Who I believe, Is Still, The Only American to win the 10,000m in the Olympics.
Inspiring and always gives me a lift...Billy Mills a running hero for all time, love it!
A thrilling finish! When you consider that 10,000 meters is more than six miles, it's amazing that the ending was so close. Ron Clarke of Australia was similar to Jim Ryun of the USA, in that both were fantastic long-distance runners who couldn't get it done in the Olympics. Gammoudi was an excellent runner who eventually won gold in Mexico City (5000 meters).
Wow! Thank you Betty Max for sharing this inspiring insight. This story belongs in a newspaper. Send my regards to Dick Bank. His commentary is rated GOLD. Wait till 2014, the world and NBC will know!!!
what an amazing Native!
I got the chills! League is this Monday and coach sent us this to get inspired
Look at Mills!! LOOK AT MILLS!! Awesome. Just freaking awesome.
Mills crosses the finish line in first place. "Mills is coming on!" Thank god for the other guy calling the race
what a great call!!!!!
I’m an old man now and cry sometimes about life. Over the years I have passed this video along to my children hoping they will understand. I did it again in 2023 and the middle child understood.
Running Brave❤🍁
i just got the chills no lie
I have the issue of Track and Field News which covers the race in great depth.
look at mills lllooooook at mills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! goosebumps
The Tunisian must have thought "Who is that falcon passing me?" It looked like Mills had rockets on his shoes!
Awesome clip. For those who don't know, a movie was made about this event: "Running Brave." It's an excellent movie about an excellent runner!
my 2 fav moments in sports history Billy mills and Kirk Gibson
A great lesson here in the finishing kick: watch Mills get up on his toes in that final stretch...that's the key. I've practiced this in my 200m & 400m repeats and it allows me to go significantly faster