Life of Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe (Worlds Greatest Athlete)

Jim Thorpe is arguably one of the best athletes the world has ever seen. His accomplishments throughout his life are records that might not ever be broken. He set the standard for being a prime example for an athlete in even the modern era we have today.

{draw:frame} On May 28, 1887 in Prague, Ok, an amazing athlete was born. He goes by the name of Jim Thorpe, son of Hiram Thorpe and Mary James, a Pottawatomie Indian. Jim Thorpe was actually born a twin, but his brother, Charley Thorpe died at the age of nine. Later in his life, after making a few accomplishments, he dedicated some of his awards to his brother Charley. In Pennsylvania, Thorpe first started his education at the Industrial Indian school called Carlisle. He started his Athletic career there at Carlisle by playing football and running track. Legend coach, “Pop” Warner actually was the first of many to start coaching the amazing athlete. In 1908, Thorpe was selected third team All-American and in 1909-1910, he was selected first team All-American. In his years playing with Coach Warner, he marveled audiences throughout the city, especially Coach Warner. Coach always loved to watch Thorpe as he played because he played with such a phenomenon performance every time he would step on the field. Coach Warner saw how Thorpe was coming such a great athlete and stated that he was the best athlete he has ever coached in his life.

When the 1912 Olympics came around, Thorpe, at the age of 24, sailed with the Olympic team to Belgium for the games. Remarkably, he actually trained on the ship to the Journey to the new country. At the Olympics, Thorpe absolutely blew away the competition in the Decathlon and the Pentathlon. He also set world records in this 1912 Olympics that would stand for decades to come. On the medal stand, King Gustav V presented Jim Thorpe with all his medals for these accomplishments. When Thorpe was walking away, the King grabbed his arm and...