Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe

Early Life

Jim Thorpe was born on May 28, 1887, in what is now Oklahoma. His Native American name was Wa-Tho-Huk, which means "Bright Path." He was a member of the Sac and Fox Nation. As a young boy, Jim grew up learning to hunt, fish, and play sports. He attended Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where his athletic talent began to shine.

Sports Superstar

Jim Thorpe became one of the greatest athletes in American history. He was a star in many sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and track and field. In the 1912 Olympic Games in Sweden, Jim won gold medals in both the pentathlon and the decathlon. People around the world were amazed by his strength, speed, and skill.

Jim Thorpe

Challenges and Controversy

After the Olympics, Jim Thorpe was praised as a national hero. But soon, he faced a major setback. It was discovered that he had briefly played semi-professional baseball before the Olympics, which was against the amateur rules at the time. Because of this, he was stripped of his gold medals. Many people thought this punishment was unfair, especially since other athletes had done similar things.

Later Years and Legacy

Jim Thorpe went on to play professional football and baseball. He helped form what would later become the National Football League (NFL). After retiring from sports, he had a hard time finding steady work, but he stayed proud of his heritage and achievements. In 1983, decades after his death in 1953, the International Olympic Committee returned his medals. Today, Jim Thorpe is remembered as one of the most talented and inspiring athletes of all time.

Discussion Questions

  1. What made Jim Thorpe such a unique and talented athlete?
  2. Why were Jim Thorpe’s Olympic medals taken away, and do you think that was fair?
  3. How did Jim Thorpe help shape professional football in America?
  4. Why is it important to remember and honor athletes like Jim Thorpe?

Glossary

  • Pentathlon – A sports contest made up of five different events.
  • Decathlon – A track and field contest made up of ten events.
  • Sac and Fox Nation – A Native American tribe from the central United States.
  • Amateur – A person who competes in sports without being paid.
  • Legacy – What a person is remembered for after they are gone.

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe was born in 1887 in Oklahoma. He was a Native American from the Sac and Fox Nation. He was great at sports like football, baseball, and track. He went to the 1912 Olympics and won two gold medals.

Later, he lost his medals because he had played baseball for money, which broke the rules. Many people thought that was unfair. He still became a pro football and baseball player. He helped start the NFL.

Jim Thorpe died in 1953. In 1983, he got his medals back. He is remembered as one of the greatest athletes ever.