Jim Thorpe's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Jim Thorpe.

Jim Thorpe, a Sac and Fox Nation citizen, was a versatile American athlete renowned for his accomplishments in multiple sports. He achieved international fame by winning two gold medals at the 1912 Summer Olympics, marking him as the first Native American to win Olympic gold for the United States. Beyond the Olympics, Thorpe also excelled in professional football, baseball, and basketball, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest and most adaptable athletes in sports history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1908: Third-Team All-American

In 1908, Jim Thorpe was named a third-team All-American in football.

1909: Previous Record at Celtic Park

In 1909, Martin Sheridan set the previous record of 7,385 points at Celtic Park in the Amateur Athletic Union's All-Around Championship, before Jim Thorpe broke it in 1912.

1911: Nationwide Notice for Athletic Ability

In 1911, Jim Thorpe gained nationwide notice for his athletic ability, scoring all of his team's four field goals in an 18–15 upset of Harvard. He also rushed for 173 yards in the game.

1911: First-Team All-American

In 1911, Jim Thorpe was named a first-team All-American in football.

September 2, 1912: Amateur Athletic Union's All-Around Championship

On September 2, 1912, Jim Thorpe competed in the Amateur Athletic Union's All-Around Championship at Celtic Park in Queens, New York, winning seven of the ten events and breaking the previous record with a total point score of 7,476 points.

September 1912: King Gustav V's Compliment

In September 1912, at the closing ceremonies of the 1912 Olympic Games, King Gustav V of Sweden reportedly said to Jim Thorpe, "You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world", while awarding him his prize for the decathlon.

1912: Participation in Multiple Olympic Events

During the 1912 Summer Olympics, Jim Thorpe competed in the decathlon, pentathlon, long jump, and high jump. He won the gold medal in the pentathlon on July 7 and qualified for the high jump final, finishing in a tie for fourth. On July 12, he placed seventh in the long jump.

1912: Olympic Success and AAU Victory

In 1912, Jim Thorpe achieved Olympic success, including a record score in the decathlon. Following his Olympic performance, he added a victory in the All-Around Championship of the Amateur Athletic Union.

1912: Leading the Nation in Touchdowns and Points

In 1912, Jim Thorpe led the nation with 29 touchdowns and 224 points scored during the season, according to the College Football Hall of Fame.

1912: First-Team All-American

In 1912, Jim Thorpe was again named a first-team All-American in football.

1912: Olympic Gold Medals

In 1912, Jim Thorpe won two Olympic gold medals at the Summer Olympics, one in the classic pentathlon and the other in the decathlon. This made him the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States in the Olympics.

1913: Amateur status restored

Before 1913, Jim Thorpe's amateur status was restored after the AAU and United States Olympic Committee overturned its decision.

1915: Joining the Canton Bulldogs

In 1915, Jim Thorpe joined the Canton Bulldogs American football team, contributing to their winning three professional championships.

1963: Induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 1963, Jim Thorpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class, recognizing his accomplishments in the sport.

April 16, 1973: "Jim Thorpe Day" Proclamation

On April 16, 1973, President Richard Nixon proclaimed "Jim Thorpe Day" to promote nationwide recognition of Thorpe's life.

1983: Olympic Medals Restored

In 1983, 30 years after his death, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) restored Jim Thorpe's Olympic medals with replicas. This decision came after ruling that the initial decision to strip him of the medals fell outside of the required 30 days.

1986: Establishment of the Jim Thorpe Award

In 1986, the Jim Thorpe Association established the Jim Thorpe Award, an annual award given to the best defensive back in college football.

February 3, 1998: United States Postal Service Issued Stamp

On February 3, 1998, the United States Postal Service issued a 32¢ stamp commemorating Jim Thorpe as part of the Celebrate the Century stamp sheet series.

2000: Greatest Athlete of the Twentieth Century

In 2000, Jim Thorpe was voted the Greatest Athlete of the Twentieth Century in a poll of sports fans published by ABC Sports.

2018: AAU Gussie Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award and Native American Dollar Coin

In 2018, Jim Thorpe received the AAU Gussie Crawford Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to amateur sports, and he was commemorated on the Native American dollar coin.

2018: Induction into National Native American Hall of Fame

In 2018, Jim Thorpe was inducted into the National Native American Hall of Fame during the organization's inaugural induction ceremony.

2022: Restoration as Sole Champion

In 2022, the IOC decided to restore Jim Thorpe as the sole champion in both decathlon and pentathlon events, after previously listing him as co-champion.

2024: Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded

In 2024, President Joe Biden announced that Jim Thorpe would be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.