James Francis Thorpe (nicknamed Jim) was born to Hiram and Mary Thorpe on May 28, 1887, southwest of Prague, Oklahoma (about eight miles away from my house). Wa-Tho-Huk was Jim’s Potawatomi Indian name, translated “Bright Path.” Jim had a twin brother named Charlie, but he died when they were nine years old. When Jim was young, his father had sent him to many different Indian schools. His classmates made fun of Jim because he was part white; because of this, Jim ran home many times. In 1904, Jim went to Carlisle Industrial Indian School in Pennsylvania. He joined the football team and track team, which were two of his favorite things to do. “I have always liked sports and only played or run races for the fun of the thing,” said Jim.
In 1908 and 1909, Jim made third team All-American, and in 1910 he made the first team. In 1912, Jim sailed to Antwerp, Belgium for the Olympic Games. He set records for both the pentathlon and the decathlon. King Gustav V gave him medals for both events. “You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world. I would consider it an honor to shake your hand,” spoke King Gustav V at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm.
In 1913, Jim’s athletic life was downcast when his metals were taken away because he had played on two semi-professional baseball teams. His name was removed from the record books, and Jim did not understand this. He even cried over it. It is said he never really recovered.
From around 1914 to 1919, Jim played on three different baseball teams. During that time he also played professional football for the Canton Bulldogs. In 1921, he played for the Cleveland Indians. In the next couple of years he coached and played for the Oorang Indians, a team made up only of American Indians. He also helped form the American Professional Football Association and later became the president. Altogether, Jim played with six different professional football teams ending with the Chicago Cardinals in 1929, marking the end of his athletic career. Jim was one of the most talented athletes in our country. James Francis Thorpe died at age 66 of a heart attack on March 28, 1953, but he still lives today in my Oklahoma history.
Filed by learningon at 8:59 p10 under My thoughts, Poetry, Writing
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