Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame member James Francis “Jim” Thorpe was born on Might 28, 1888 in Oklahoma. Raised by Hiram and Charlotte Vieux Thorpe on the Sac and Fox reservation, Thorpe was given the Native American identify “Wa-tho-huck,” that means “Vibrant Path.” Thorpe would go on to develop into one of many athletic superstars of the twentieth century, excelling in monitor and area and soccer throughout his time on the Carlisle Indian College in Pennsylvania. Coached by Glenn S. “Pop” Warner, Thorpe joined the college’s monitor and soccer groups, setting the stage for his future success.
In 1907, Thorpe made his entry into monitor and area after clearing a excessive soar bar that was set at 5’9″. This second marked the start of a legendary sports activities profession for Thorpe, who rapidly turned a star athlete beneath the steerage of Warner. Regardless of dropping out of the Carlisle Indian College in 1909, Thorpe returned in 1911 and was named a soccer first-team All-American choice for 1911 and 1912. He went on to compete within the decathlon and pentathlon on the 1912 Olympic Video games, profitable each occasions regardless of going through challenges comparable to lacking sneakers in the course of the decathlon.
Following his victories on the Olympics, controversy arose when it was found that Thorpe had performed semi-professional baseball in violation of amateurism guidelines. Because of this, his medals have been stripped in 1913, though he was posthumously reinstated because the co-winner of the occasions in 1982. In 2022, the Worldwide Olympic Committee reinstated Thorpe as the only real winner of the 1912 Olympic pentathlon and decathlon. Thorpe’s legacy continues to be celebrated, with the “Jim Thorpe Award” being introduced yearly to the highest defensive again in school soccer since 1986.
After the Olympics, Thorpe pursued knowledgeable sports activities profession, taking part in baseball from 1913 to 1919 for groups such because the New York Giants, Boston Braves, and Cincinnati Reds. He additionally performed skilled soccer for the Canton Bulldogs in 1915, the place he was signed for $250 per sport. Thorpe’s impression on the game of soccer was important, as he each performed for and coached the Canton Bulldogs, serving to them safe unofficial world championships in 1916, 1917, and 1919. Named president of the Nationwide Soccer League in 1920, Thorpe’s spectacular athletic skills and management abilities left an enduring mark on the game.
Regardless of his loss of life in 1953, Jim Thorpe’s legacy lives on by means of his accomplishments in sports activities. The Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame enshrined Thorpe in 1963, recognizing his contributions to each soccer and athletics as an entire. The Jim Thorpe Award, introduced yearly to the highest defensive again in school soccer, continues to honor his reminiscence. Thorpe’s extraordinary expertise and achievements have solidified his place in sports activities historical past, together with his impression nonetheless being felt on this planet of athletics as we speak.