When I was a sophomore in college, I did research for my film professor who was working on a script about Jim Thorpe, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of the twentieth century. I immediately fell in love with Thorpe, not only for his athletic prowess, winning Olympic medals while dominating in Baseball and Football, but also for his philanthropic efforts and passion for life beyond his athlete years.
Today, The International Olympic Committee recognized Jim Thorpe as the winner of two Olympic Gold Medals in the 1912 games, for the decathlon and pentathlon. He was initially stripped of the medals in 1913 after it was found out that he was making $25/hour as a baseball player prior to the games, which went against the Olympics amateur rules. Over forty years ago, Thorpe was recognized as the co-winner of the events after much deliberation. Finally, Thorpe's legacy is cemented as he is remembered as the sole winner of each event, a legacy that is deserving of the man. It's important to note that racism was most likely a large factor in stripping Thorpe of his medals and keeping him out of the record books. Thorpe, a Native American, fought for the rights of indigenous people in America for much of the latter half of his life. Beyond his advocacy, Thorpe also was an actor, appearing in many films prior to his death in 1953. In the film adaptation of his life, made two years before his death, Hollywood cast a white man, Burt Lancaster, to play him. Because of course they did. Jim Thorpe is a resounding figure of pure talent, strength in the face of adversity, and a role model for millions. He was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the charter class. President Nixon authorized April 16, 1973 as "Jim Thorpe Day" to promote recognition for his life. I believe that Jim Thorpe is a legend and I'm glad that today, we recognize his greatness in a way that he deserves.
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Rob EnglishJust a kid from Pittsburgh trying to figure out my place in the world and write some things along the way. Archives
February 2024
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