William Mervin Mills (born June 30, 1938), also known by his Oglala Lakota name Tamakhóčhe Theȟíla, is an American Oglala Lakota former track and field athlete who won a gold medal in the 10,000 metre run (6.2 mi) at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

He attended the University of Kansas on an athletic scholarship and was a three-time NCAA All-America cross-country runner.

After graduating in 1962 with a degree in physical education, Mills entered the United States Marine Corps.

The runners expected to challenge him were defending champion Pyotr Bolotnikov of the Soviet Union, and Murray Halberg of New Zealand, who had won the 5,000 m in 1960.

Halfway through the race, only four runners were still with Clarke: Mohammed Gammoudi of Tunisia, Mamo Wolde of Ethiopia, Kokichi Tsuburaya of Japan, and Mills.

American television viewers were able to hear the surprise and drama as NBC expert analyst Dick Bank[9][10] screamed "Look at Mills!

Mills has stated that he tried to be relaxed during his final kick to the finish line and felt that helped him pass both Gammoudi and Clarke.

[13] Mills is the co-founder of the nonprofit Running Strong for American Indian Youth with Eugene Krizek.

He now acts as a spokesperson for the organization and travels the country empowering Native youth and encouraging them to follow their dreams.

[14] Mills' charity work also includes diabetes prevention and management education for adults and especially for youth.