DuckstersDucksters
History Biography Geography Science Games

Jim Thorpe

Athlete Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe, 1912 Summer Olympics
by Agence Rol
Biography >> Native Americans

Biography:

Early Life

Jim Thorpe was born into the Native American tribe of the Sac and Fox. His father, Hiram Thorpe, was a Sac and Fox while his mother, Charlotte, was from the Potawatomi tribe. Jim's native name was Wa-Tho-Huk, which meant "Bright Path".

Jim grew up with his twin brother Charlie on a farm in Oklahoma where he learned how to hunt, ride a horse, and set a trap. Jim loved playing in the outdoors. He wasn't very tall, but he was athletic and strong.

School

When Jim turned six years old, he and his brother Charlie went to attend the local Indian boarding school. Jim didn't like school at all, but Charlie enjoyed it. Charlie was the smart one and he tried to help Jim with his studies.

When the twins were nine years old, Charlie got sick and died. Jim was very sad and wanted to quit school. He ran away from school, running the twenty-three miles home to see his parents. Jim's father was determined that he get an education. He sent Jim to another school further away in Lawrence, Kansas.

Jim became a standout on the school's track team. He also wanted to play football, but they said he was too small.

Carlisle Indian Industrial School

When Jim turned sixteen, he went to attend the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. He hoped to study electricity there and play on the track team.

At first Jim wasn't given a chance to join the team. Then one day, while he was walking past the track field, he noticed some of the varsity athletes practicing the high jump. He went over and asked if he could try. He was wearing his work clothes and the varsity players put the bar higher than anyone had ever jumped at the school. They thought it would be funny. However, Jim got the last laugh when he promptly ran up to the bar and jumped right over it. They were amazed!

The next day Jim was called into the office of the famous coach of Carlisle, Pop Warner. Pop told Jim he had broken the school record. He asked Jim to join the team. Soon Jim was winning track events at major college meets in all sorts of events including the high jump, sprints, and the hurdles.

Playing Football

Jim wanted to play football too, but Pop Warner thought he was too small. He gave Jim a chance in practice, however, and Jim ran right through the defense on his first try. Soon Jim was the star of the team. He played running back, place kicker, punter, and defense. He was named All-American in 1911 and 1912 and even led his team to the national championship.

Olympics

In 1912, Thorpe tried out for the United States Olympic team. He participated in the pentathlon and the decathlon. The pentathlon was five events including the javelin throw, long jump, discus throw, 1500 meter race, and the 200 meter dash. The decathlon included ten track and field events. With Thorpe's all around talent, he took the gold medal in both events winning by a large margin.

Professional Sports

After the Olympics, Jim went on to play professional sports. He played baseball for the New York Giants, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Boston Braves. He also played professional football and basketball. As a football player he played for a number of teams including the Canton Bulldogs, the football New York Giants, and the Chicago Cardinals. The Canton Bulldogs won three championships while he was on the team.

Jim Thorpe in baseball uniform
Jim Thorpe, New York NL, at Polo Grounds, NY
by Bain News Service, publisher

Jim Thorpe also became the first president of the American Professional Football Association which later became the National Football League (NFL).

Death

Jim Thorpe died of a heart attack in 1953. He had been married three times and had eight children.

Interesting Facts about Jim Thorpe
Activities

  • Listen to a recorded reading of this page:



  • Biography >> Native Americans


    Ducksters Footer Gif with Ducks


    About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

     

    This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.