Biography
Jim Thorpe was a Native American athlete who won Olympic gold in pentathlon and decathlon and played professional football, baseball, basketball.
Early Start
Thorpe was a Sac and Fox Indian who attended Carlisle Indian School, where he became a football star.
Challenges Overcome
Thorpe had his Olympic medals stripped (later restored) and faced discrimination as a Native American.
Key Achievements
- Olympic gold in pentathlon and decathlon
- Professional football, baseball, basketball
- First president of NFL
- Named greatest athlete of 20th century by AP
Why They Inspire Us
Thorpe shows that natural athletic ability combined with determination creates legends.
"I am no more proud of my career as an athlete than I am ashamed of my career as an Indian."