Jessica Crabtree

May 28, 1888: Birth of Native American pan-athlete Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe was born near Prague, Oklahoma in the Sauk and Fox Nation. His Native name was Wa-tho-huk, or “Bright Path.” He is celebrated as one of the most gifted athletes who ever lived. His supreme athletic ability made him a legend in football, baseball, basketball, track, and several other sports. He was gold medalist in the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, although his medals were stripped when it was publicized that he played on an under-league baseball team in school.

Although this devastated his professional career, Thorpe remained an icon for sportsmen around the world and in particular a champion for Native Americans. Throughout his life he battled racism towards Native Americans (before 1924 Indians did not even have US citizenship) and stereotyping. His Sauk and Fox and Potawatomi heritage was a source of great pride to him; he once said that it was more valuable to him than all his sports awards.

Thorpe died of a heart attack in 1953. His Olympic medals were reinstated posthumously by act of Congress in 1983.

Jim Thorpe: The Official Site

Library of Congress: This Day in History – Jim Thorpe Web Exhibit