Research Guides: Jim Thorpe: Biography

Jim Thorpe (May 28, 1887 - March 28, 1953)

Within Perhaps Thorpe's greatest triumph came in the 1912 Olympics, held in Stockholm. He was set to compete in two punishing events: the pentathlon, made up of five track-and-field competitions (javelin throw, discus throw, running broad jump, 200-meter dash, and 1,500-meter race), and the decathlon, consisting of ten events (javelin throw, discus throw, long jump, high jump, pole vault, shot-put, 400-meter run, 1,500-meter run, 100-meter dash, and 100-meter hurdles). He won gold medals in each, and King Gustav of Sweden proclaimed that Thorpe was the “greatest athlete in the world.” Continue . . .

Source: Edelman, Rob. "Thorpe, Jim (1888–1953)." St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, edited by Thomas Riggs, 2nd ed., vol. 5, St. James Press, 2013, pp. 106-108. From Gale Virtual Reference database.

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Olympic champion and football legend: Jim Thorpe Jim Thorpe is known as one of the world’s greatest athletes of his time — as an Olympic champion and professional football legend.
Jim Thorpe: Native American Legend Reports on the film career of Native American athlete Jim Thorpe. Olympic medals won by Thorpe; Birth in the Keokuk Falls, Oklahoma; Thorpe's films; Influence of Thorpe's father on his career; Factors for Thorpe's popularity as an athlete and an actor.
The 20th Century's Greatest Athlete The article chronicles the life of Jim Thorpe, a Native American and athlete. Thorpe's distinction as a track and field athlete at the 1912 Olympic games and his success in college football are described. Also discussed is Thorpe's performance in professional baseball and football, his acting career and his eventual financial decline. The article explains how the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, came to be so named.
Triumph and Tragedy Features Jim Thorpe, one of century's greatest athletes and Carlisle Indian School's most famous student. Autobiography of Thorpe; Story of how Jim started to play football; Tragedy that happened to the life of Thorpe; How Jim and his two classmates entered the United States Olympic team; Medals received by Thorpe; Cause of Thorpe's death; How his family renewed the medals and his amateur standing; Indian name given to Thorpe.
The Greatest Athlete in the World im Thorpe (1888-1953) was hailed as the world's greatest athlete at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, but his victories and his medals were revoked on the dubious charge that he was not an amateur. Though public opinion favored him, the Amateur Athletic Union demanded the lifting of his titles in 1913 after Thorpe admitted he had received money in 1909 for playing baseball. Loss of his medals and the death of an infant son led to heavy drinking and depression, which affected his major league baseball career and the rest of his life. Football remained the game he most enjoyed, as he played for the Canton Bulldogs from 1915 to 1920, and for an all-Indian team later. Though he spent much of his later life seeking restoration of his Olympic glory, he died nearly 30 years before the IOC finally voted to return his medals and his records in 1982.
Jim Thorpe Remembered as One of a Kind Athlete Focuses on the recognition of the athletic prowess Jim Thorpe in Oklahoma. Information on Thorpe's varied athletic career; Characterization of Thorpe; Details of Thorpe's death.
Jim Thorpe The article profiles Native football player Jim Thorpe. Thorpe, great-grandson of Sac and Fox chief Black Hawk, is considered the best athlete the U.S. has ever produced. He played for the football team at the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania while studying to be an electrician. He also played professional baseball during the 1909 to 1910 season for two teams in the Eastern Carolina League, the Rocky Mount and Fayetteville. He signed up to play baseball with the New York Giants. He served as president of the American Professional Football Association or the National Football League. He also participated and became a living legend when he placed first in the pentathlon and in the decathlon. His time in the 200-meter hurdles stood unbeaten for 36 years. He died of heart attack.
Jim Thorpe: World's Greatest Athlete Join us for a fascinating presentation on the life of famed Native American athlete Jim Thorpe. Thorpe (Sac and Fox, 1888--1953) was the greatest all-around athlete of his age and probably any other. An Olympic gold medalist in track and field, he also excelled in football, baseball, basketball and lacrosse.
Oklahoma Olympian: Jim Thorpe regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time Oklahoma Olympian: Jim Thorpe regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time ◂ KJRH - 2 News Works for You - brings you the latest trusted news and information for Tulsa, Green Country and Northeast Oklahoma.