Was Jim Thorpe the ultimate athlete of all time?
Celebrating Jim Thorpe: A Legendary Native American Athlete
Jim Thorpe, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation, continues to be celebrated by Native Americans 70 years after his death. This recognition stems from his historic achievements in various sports, the long overdue restoration of his Olympic victories, and the symbolic rectification of past injustices against him and Native peoples.
Thorpe's legendary status was earned through his participation in the 1912 Olympic Games, where he excelled in multiple sports. His athletic prowess was noted by many, including former President Dwight Eisenhower, who stated that Thorpe could do everything that everyone else could and do it better.
Today, Thorpe's legacy is being actively preserved and celebrated. A dedicated festival, a town named after him (Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, where he is buried), and ongoing cultural projects such as a scripted TV series developed in collaboration with his family and Native historians are keeping his memory alive. These efforts underscore themes of identity and perseverance, symbolizing Native American pride and historical recognition.
One such individual contributing to these conversations is hip-hop artist Tall Paul, who dedicated an album titled "The Story of Jim Thorpe" to the legendary athlete. Journalist Patty Loew, the director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research at Northwestern University, and biographer David Maraniss, author of "Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe," are also involved in these discussions.
Another notable figure is activist Suzan Shown Harjo, who is not directly connected to the earlier facts mentioned but is worthy of recognition. Harjo, who is Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee, was the recipient of a 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Meanwhile, on the Leech Lake reservation in Minnesota, Anishinaabe and Oneida Hip-Hop artist Tall Paul is making waves in the music industry. His connection to Jim Thorpe is evident in his music, as he uses Thorpe's story to inspire and uplift his community.
In summary, Jim Thorpe continues to be celebrated 70 years after his death because his athletic achievements have been rightfully restored and recognized, and because his life story exemplifies Native American endurance, identity, and the fight against historical injustice. His legacy lives on through various celebrations and cultural projects, inspiring a new generation to remember and honour their past.
Fundamentally, Jim Thorpe's immense success in various sports during the 1912 Olympics, including football, baseball, tennis, and more, cemented his legendary status. Today, his legacy is cherished and kept alive through numerous celebrations, festivals, and cultural projects, such as the scripted TV series and music by Anishinaabe and Oneida Hip-Hop artist Tall Paul.
