Jim Thorpe

Athlete of the Century

Jim Thorpe

Born: May 28, 1887Oklahoma – Indian TerritoryDied: March 28, 1953

Tribe:Sac and Fox

Name

James Francis ThorpeNative name

Wa-Tho-Huck“Bright Path”

Education

1904 – Father sent him to Carlisle Indian School in PennsylvaniaWhite teachers hoped to “civilize” the IndiansStudents weren’t allowed to speak their native tongue or use their native names

Education, cont.

Students left their traditional lifestyles at the gatesThey were forced to cut their long hair.

Carlisle School Athletics

Coach Glen Scobie “Pop” WarnerHigh JumpJumped 5’9” first attempt

Track and Field Pictures

Athletics, cont.

FootballHalfbackCarlisle – Army game

Halfback battle between Jim Thorpe and Dwight Eisenhower

National Champions

Olympics

1912 StockholmMedals in decathlon and pentathlonKing Gustave V of Sweden called Thorpe “the greatest athlete in the world.”

Controversy

Played baseball in the tobacco leagueEarned $15 a weekOlympic athletes were forbidden from receiving money for sports activitiesOlympic Committee asked for him to return his medals.

Grace

1982 - Thorpe’s daughter Grace won her battle to have Thorpe’s medals returned.

Marriages

1st Wife – Iva, 1913Children: Jim, Jr., Gail, Charlotte, and Grace2nd Wife – Freeda, 1925Children: Carl Philip, William, Richard and John (Jack)3rd Wife – Patricia, 1945

Professional Sports

Major League BaseballNew York GiantsCincinnati RedsBoston Braves

Baseball Pictures

Professional SportsFootball

Canton BulldogsCleveland IndiansOorang IndiansRock Island IndependentsNew York GiantsSt. PetersburgPortsmouthChicago Cardinals

Football Picture

Awards

All-American HalfbackOlympic Decathlon and PentathlonKing Gustave: “World’s Greatest AthleteCollege Football Hall of FameN.F.L.’s “Most Valuable Player”

Awards

Professional Football Hall of FameFilm: The All AmericanSports Magazine: Greatest American Football Player in HistoryWide World of Sports: Greatest Athlete of the CenturyMusical: Warrior: An American TragedyFeatured on Wheaties Cereal box