Jim Thorpe

full name:

James Francis Thorpe

bio:

Jim Thorpe was a star of the 1912 Games. He won both the decathlon and pentathlon, and came 4th in the high jump, and 7th in the long jump. It was the first time he had ever competed in a decathlon, and he had only ever thrown a javelin a couple of months earlier. Despite this, he won easily. He returned home a national hero. Unfortunately, in the following year it was discovered that he once played semi-professional baseball, earning $25 a week playing minor league baseball, and he was subsequently striped of his gold medals. In 1982 the IOC lifted the ban against Thorpe and his name was returned to the record books.

also known as:

born:

May 28 1888
Prague, Oklahoma

died:

March 28, 1953

sport:

Athletics

team / club:

USA

event:

decathlon and pentathlon

personal bests:

achievements:

1912 Olympic results:

• decathlon - gold
  
• pentathlon - gold
  
• high jump - 4th
  
• long jump - 7th

what you may not know:

His father was part Irish, part Sac and Fox Indian. His mother was part Potawatonie and Kickapoo Indian and part French.