Jim Thorpe honored with Presidential Medal of Freedom

One of the greatest athletes of all time, Jim Thorpe, racked up a number of achievements over the course of his career.

Now, posthumously, the Sac and Fox Nation and Potawatomi citizen is being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom; the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Recipients of the medal are “​​individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” a press release from the White House stated.

Thorpe joins an exclusive list of Native people to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In 2019, Suzan Shown Harjo, Cheyenne, Hodulgee Muscogee received the medal from then President Barack Obama; Elouise Cobell, Blackfeet; and Billy Frank Jr., Nisqually, are among other Native recipients over the years.

Discussing the recipients in opening remarks, President Joe Biden called Thorpe a “one-of-a-kind champion” and said his grandfather used to tell him stories of Thorpe when he was growing up.

“I grew up always hearing about Jim Thorpe, I’m serious, as the greatest athlete, not just the greatest ball player; the greatest athlete of all time,” Biden said. “He [Biden’s grandfather] talked about them all the time.”

Jim Thorpe showcased unparalleled athleticism and he transcended racial barriers through the power of perseverance, sheer will and determination,” Biden added.

The medal was accepted by Thorpe’s oldest living grandchild, Lynn Hannon.

Wa-Tho-Huk or Bright Path, Thorpe’s Sac and Fox name, perhaps is best known for his performance at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden.

Thorpe dominated the pentathlon and decathlon, winning the gold medal in each event by a wide margin and becoming the first Native American to win Olympic gold. However, it should be pointed out, American Indians were not considered citizens until 1924 when then-President Calvin Coolidge signed a bill in June of that year.

His performance was so exemplary at the 1912 games, King Gustav V did not mince words when congratulating Thorpe on his win.

“You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world. I would consider it an honor to shake your hand,” Gustav V said after placing two gold medals around Thorpe’s neck.

Controversy struck a year later when the International Olympic Committee stripped Thorpe of his medals after it was discovered he had been paid to play professional baseball. Ultimately, in 1982, replicas of his medals were returned to his family but it wasn’t until July 2022 that the official Olympic records recognized Thorpe as the sole gold medal winner.

In the official announcement of the record change, Thomas Bach, president of the IOC, said the solution was reached “thanks to the great engagement of Bright Path Strong.”

“This is a most exceptional and unique situation, which has been addressed by an extraordinary gesture of fair play from the National Olympic Committees concerned,” Bach said at the time.

Bright Path Strong is a nonprofit organization created “to share and amplify authentic Native American voices and stories, past and present,” its website states.

A Jim Thorpe biopic, “Bright Path: The Jim Thorpe Story,” is in the works through the organization.

The White House press release called Thorpe “the country’s original multi-sport superstar,” as he excelled in football, baseball and basketball “while breaking down barriers on and off the field.”

He is enshrined in both the college and pro football halls of fame and he served as the first president of the American Professional Football Association, which would eventually become the National Football League.

Thorpe was also recognized by the Associated Press as the greatest athlete and the greatest football player of the first half of the 20th century, leaving an indelible mark on what would become America’s biggest sport.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Laguna Pueblo, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Thorpe “was an icon and a hero to all.”

Haaland thanked President Biden in the post for recognizing Thorpe and congratulated all of the recipients.

In 1953, Thorpe died of a heart attack and was buried in a Pennsylvania town that bears his name.