Thorpe Wins Olympic Gold
"Thorpe Wins Olympic Gold"
Our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day comes from the Hallett Herald in Hallett, Oklahoma, on July 8, 1912, when they printed a header of :
AMERICANS ARE IN LEAD
This news story is about the 1912 Stockholm Olympics and, in particular, a pentathlon gold medal win by a Carlisle student named James Thorpe on July 7, 1912. Yes, this is before the great gridiron player became famous, and James was, in fact, Jim Thorpe, who won the Gold as he finished first in four of the events of the Pentathlon. The Americans were leading in the medal count after just four days, following Thorpe's Gold, and one by fellow American 100-meter champion R. C. Craig of the Detroit YMCA, who took first place in his event in the early days of the Olympiad.
In 1913, Jim Thorpe was stripped of the medals due to playing baseball professionally in 1910, but in 1982, the Olympic honor was restored to the star athlete who played many years as a college and pro football player.
- HASHTAGS: #July07 #JimThorpe #ThorpeJim #Olympics
- EVENTDAY: July 07
- FOOTBALL NAME: Jim Thorpe, Thorpe Jim
- SPORTS: Olympics
"Thorpe, Jim"
Step into the legendary world of Jim Thorpe, an athlete whose extraordinary talent transcended multiple sports and whose impact resonates through history. This series will explore the unparalleled achievements of a man who was not only an Olympic hero, winning gold in both the pentathlon and decathlon, but also a pivotal figure in the early days of professional football. More than just an athlete, Thorpe was a Native American trailblazer who broke barriers and captivated audiences with his exceptional abilities on the field and track.
From his formative years at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School under the guidance of the legendary Pop Warner to his pivotal role in establishing professional football leagues, Thorpe's story is one of incredible versatility and perseverance. We'll delve into his dominance on the gridiron, his leadership as the first president of the American Professional Football Association (later the NFL), and the enduring legacy of a true American icon. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable life and career of Jim Thorpe, a name forever etched in the annals of sporting greatness.