Billy Mills: Exceptional American trackster

In one of the most exciting finishes in Olympic track and field history, unknown American Mills and Tunisia’s Mohamed Gammoudi both improved their personal best times by more than 45 seconds in a monumental reversal of Australian world record holder Ron Clarke in the 10,000-meter in 1964 in Tokyo.

After a seesawing struggle, Mills dashed home past Gammoudi and Clarke to the finish and emerged victorious by three yards. Mills, however, was not allowed to complete the victory lap owing to the many strugglers breasting the tape one after another following him.