Jim Thorpe Essay

Jim Thorpe’s is considered to be the greatest player of the 20th century from many people. He was born on May 28, 1887, with his twin brother Charlie Thorpe. His parents Hiram Thorpe and Charlotte Thorpe were mixed native American and European. So when Jim was born he was given a native name which was Wa-Tho-Huk which meant “bright path” which was correct for his future ahead. Jim and Charlie Thorpe were very close siblings. They did everything together, they fished, they hunted and they wrestled. When they were both six their parents sent them to a Sac and Fox agency school located 20 miles away from there home.Charlie was the academic student while Jim was more into sports. An epidemic swept the school and Charlie became I’ll and never recovered

Thorpe and Freeda had four sons. In 1926 Thorpe played his final season of football with the Canton Bulldogs and after retired sports in general. Since Thorpe retired from sports he had to find other jobs since he had to feed seven children. He was worked in small Hollywood films but never got a play big enough for a stable job. He started to have a drinking problem and didn't have much after his sports career. In 1990 He remarried for the final time to Patricia Gladys Askew. They had one kid and Thorpe went on to become a motivational speaker and sharing his experiences and his love for sports. He also helped train the Israeli soccer team for their match against the U.S. In 1950 he was named Greatest Football player for the Half century as well as greatest Male Athlete of the Half Century. In 1953 Thorpe died of his third major heart attack in Lomita California. After his death, Thorpe was conducted to the hall of fame and the A.A.U. restored his status for the 1909-1912 Olympic wins. As well as the Olympics committee restored Thorpe's names back into the books and returned his medals back to the family. Lastly in 1999 U.S congress came to the resolution to name Thorpe athlete of the Century. Even after his death, Thorpe was remembered as a great athlete who loved the sports for the competition and will always be considered the