Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe 1912

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Glenn Warner, Jim Thorpe tackling a dummy

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Photograph of Jim Thorpe with Admirers - NARA - 595392

Jim Thorpe

Photograph of Jim Thorpe - NARA - 595347

Jim Thorpe, 1912 Summer Olympics

Jim Thorpe (May 28, 1887 – March 28, 1953) was an American athlete and Olympic gold medalist. A member of the Sac and Fox Nation, Thorpe became the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States. He is considered one of the most versatile athletes of modern sports, competing in the 1912 Summer Olympics in both the pentathlon and decathlon, winning gold medals in both events.

Early Life

Jim Thorpe was born in Indian Territory, which is now part of Oklahoma. His Native American name was Wa-Tho-Huk, which translates to "Bright Path." From a young age, Thorpe showed a natural talent for athletics, excelling in various sports at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where he was coached by Glenn Scobey Warner, one of the most influential coaches in early American football history.

Athletic Career

Thorpe's athletic career is marked by remarkable achievements in several sports, including track and field, football, and baseball. In the 1912 Olympics held in Stockholm, Sweden, Thorpe won gold in both the pentathlon and decathlon, showcasing his diverse athletic skills. However, in 1913, he was stripped of his Olympic medals when it was discovered that he had played semi-professional baseball before the Olympics, violating the amateurism rules of the time. His medals were posthumously reinstated in 1983, 30 years after his death.

In addition to his Olympic success, Thorpe played professional football and baseball. He was a part of several teams in the early years of the National Football League (NFL) and played Major League Baseball for teams including the New York Giants and the Cincinnati Reds.

Legacy

Jim Thorpe's legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements. He is remembered as a pioneer for Native Americans in sports and has been honored in various ways. The town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, was named in his honor, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

Thorpe's life story has been the subject of numerous books and films, highlighting his contributions to American sports and his status as a cultural icon. Despite the challenges he faced, including racial discrimination and the stripping of his Olympic medals, Thorpe's legacy as one of the greatest athletes in American history endures.

Death and Honors

Jim Thorpe passed away on March 28, 1953, in California. His death was a significant loss to the sports world and the Native American community. In recognition of his contributions to sports and his cultural impact, numerous awards and honors have been named after him, including the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the top defensive back in college football.