Scott McGowan, 25, made news last year when he became the first Montana to run the mile under four minutes but most people don't know he's a Native Americans who grew up on the Fort Peck Reservation.

McGowan, who played basketball in high school, said he has encountered racism. "You can�t believe how tribal members are treated," he told Running Times magazine. "When we were on the road, going to cross country meets, we�d go into a Wal-Mart and people said �there are too many of you to come in here.� Too many Indians."

Due to his light skin, McGowan said some Natives mistake him for white. But he remains proud of his Chippewa heritage. "My father told me: Never be embarrassed about where you�re from," he said.

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Proud Plainsman (Running Times April 2006)