Jim Thorpe: The Legendary Athlete Who Defied Odds (1887-1953)

Who Was Jim Thorpe?

Jim Thorpe was an All-American football player at the Carlisle Indian School and a remarkable athlete who made history by winning both the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympics. However, his Olympic glory was overshadowed when his gold medals were revoked due to a technicality. Beyond his Olympic achievements, Thorpe also had a career in professional baseball and football, and he even pursued acting after his sports career ended.

Early Years and Schools

Born around May 28, 1887, near present-day Prague, Oklahoma, Jim Thorpe hailed from a rich heritage that included Sac and Fox and Potawatomi Indian bloodlines, along with French and Irish ancestry. He was originally named Wa-Tho-Huk, meaning "Bright Path," but was later baptized as Jacobus Franciscus Thorpe. Growing up, he developed endurance through hunting and trapping in Indian Territory, but his academic journey was marked by truancy and personal loss, including the early deaths of his twin brother and parents.

In the spring of 1907, while attending the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, Thorpe joined a track-and-field practice session. He astonished everyone by breaking the school record in the high jump while wearing work clothes. His exceptional athletic skills helped him excel in multiple sports, including baseball, hockey, and lacrosse, but it was football that ultimately brought him national recognition.

Olympic Glory and Downfall

In 1912, Thorpe was named to represent the United States in the Olympic Games held in Stockholm, Sweden. He kicked off the event by winning four out of five events in the pentathlon, securing the gold medal. A week later, he dominated the decathlon, winning multiple events despite wearing mismatched shoes. His outstanding performance earned him the title of the greatest athlete in the world, as proclaimed by King Gustaf V of Sweden.

Upon returning home, Thorpe was celebrated with a ticker-tape parade in New York City. However, a newspaper revelation about his minor league baseball payments from 1909 and 1910 led the Amateur Athletic Union to strip him of his amateur status. As a result, Thorpe was forced to return his Olympic medals, and his records were removed from the Olympic history books.

Professional Sports Career

In 1913, Thorpe married Iva Miller and began his professional baseball career with the New York Giants. Though he struggled with the curveball and ended up with a batting average of .252 over six years, he showcased a better .327 in his final year. His true impact, however, was felt in professional football, where he signed with the Canton Bulldogs, earning $250 per game and leading the team to several championships.

Thorpe played a significant role in the formation of the American Professional Football Association, which later became the NFL. He also coached and played for an all-Native American team called the Oorang Indians, entertaining crowds with cultural performances. Throughout the years, he played for several NFL teams, including the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cardinals.

Post-Athletic Career and Death

After his athletic career, Thorpe faced numerous challenges, including personal struggles and a series of marriages. He attempted to break into Hollywood, appearing in over 60 films but often relegated to stereotypical roles. Despite the difficulties, Thorpe remained committed to advocating for Native American rights, forming a casting company to promote authentic representation in Hollywood.

In his later years, he found some solace when the Associated Press named him the greatest athlete of the first half of the 20th century in 1950. Following his death from a heart attack on March 28, 1953, in Lomita, California, Thorpe's remains were relocated to a Pennsylvania town that renamed itself in his honor.

Legacy and Burial Controversy

Jim Thorpe's legacy lives on, as he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963 and had his name restored to the Olympic record books in 1982 as a co-winner of the 1912 events. His status as a legendary athlete was reaffirmed when he was voted as the greatest athlete of the previous century in a 2000 poll. Despite ongoing disputes regarding his burial place, Thorpe's impact on sports and culture continues to resonate.

In 2010, a legal battle ensued when Thorpe's son sought to bring his father's remains back to Oklahoma. Although initially successful, subsequent court rulings upheld Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, as the final resting place for the iconic athlete. His story serves as a reminder of resilience, talent, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice.

Key Takeaways

• Jim Thorpe was a multifaceted athlete excelling in football, baseball, and track events.
• He won Olympic gold medals but lost them due to eligibility issues, highlighting the complexities of amateur sports.
• Thorpe's post-sports life was marked by challenges, including difficulties in Hollywood and personal struggles.
• His legacy continues to inspire, as he remains a celebrated figure in American sports history.