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Jim Thorpe: The 20th Century's Most Versatile Athlete

Zachary Cox

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Jim Thorpe, a Native American athlete, was one of the most versatile and accomplished athletes of the 20th century. He excelled in a wide range of sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and track and field. Thorpe was also a pioneer in the early days of professional football.

Jim Thorpe: 20th-Century Jock (Superstar Lineup)

by Robert Lipsyte

4.4 out of 5

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Thorpe was born in 1887 in Oklahoma Territory. He was a member of the Sac and Fox Nation. Thorpe began his athletic career as a teenager, playing football and baseball for the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. He quickly became one of the most dominant players in college football, earning All-American honors three times.

After graduating from Carlisle, Thorpe played professional football for the Canton Bulldogs. He was one of the first players to be paid to play football, and he helped to popularize the sport in the United States. Thorpe also played professional baseball for the New York Giants and the Boston Braves.

In addition to his football and baseball career, Thorpe was also a successful track and field athlete. He won the gold medal in the decathlon and the pentathlon at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden. Thorpe's Olympic achievements made him a national hero, and he was one of the most popular athletes in the United States during the early 20th century.

However, Thorpe's Olympic medals were later stripped from him after it was discovered that he had played professional baseball before the Olympics. This ruling was eventually overturned in 1983, and Thorpe was posthumously reinstated as the winner of the decathlon and pentathlon.

Thorpe died in 1953 at the age of 65. He is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, and his legacy continues to inspire athletes and fans around the world.

Jim Thorpe's Accomplishments

* Won the gold medal in the decathlon and the pentathlon at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden. * Was a three-time All-American football player at the Carlisle Indian School. * Played professional football for the Canton Bulldogs and the New York Giants. * Played professional baseball for the New York Giants and the Boston Braves. * Was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963. * Was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1969. * Was inducted into the Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983.

Jim Thorpe's Legacy

Jim Thorpe is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. His versatility and accomplishments in a wide range of sports have made him a legend in the world of sports. Thorpe's legacy continues to inspire athletes and fans around the world.

In 1950, the Associated Press voted Thorpe the greatest athlete of the first half of the 20th century. In 1999, ESPN named Thorpe the greatest athlete of the 20th century.

Thorpe's legacy is also reflected in the many awards and honors that have been bestowed upon him. In 1983, Thorpe was posthumously reinstated as the winner of the decathlon and pentathlon at the 1912 Olympic Games. In 1996, the United States Postal Service issued a stamp in Thorpe's honor.

Thorpe's story is one of triumph and adversity. He overcame many challenges in his life, including racism and discrimination. Thorpe's perseverance and determination are an inspiration to us all.

Jim Thorpe: 20th-Century Jock (Superstar Lineup)

by Robert Lipsyte

4.4 out of 5