Separating facts from fiction
Robert Wheeler does a fantastic job of clearing up misconceptions and false reports filed on the world’s greatest athlete, Jim Thorpe. The author also brilliantly demonstrates how Thorpe was unfairly treated, which resulted in him being stripped of the gold metals he rightfully earned in the 1912 Olympics in Sweden. Clearly, Thorpe was a victim of racism. Wheeler utilizes interviews with Thorpe’s children to tell the full story of his life and career.
In 1909 and 1910, Thorpe competed in minor league baseball, thus he was stripped of his amateur status. While others played under alias names, Thorpe used his real name, not realizing he was violating any rules. How could an athlete be considered ineligible the decathlon by playing minor league baseball?
Thorpe was such a stand athlete in track and field at Carlisle, legendary football coach Pop Warner didn’t even want him to play the gridiron sport. But of course, Thorpe was a natural, leading his school by scoring touchdowns, kicking field goals, and winning the field position battle with his dazzling punting abilities. Unquestionably, Thorpe was a game changer, and has often been called the greatest football player to even play the sport.
Why is Thorpe considered the greatest athlete of all time? Besides football and track, he also excelled at lacrosse, basketball, golf, bowling, and played professional football and baseball. He was signed by John McGraw’s New York Giants in 1913, and then focus on professional football with the Canton Bulldogs and played the sport until age 41. There was apparently nothing Thorpe couldn’t do athletically, even received offers to become a boxer.
“Jim Thorpe: World’s Greatest Athlete” writes the wrongs, and properly establishes Thorpe’s unmatched legacy. Chaz Allen also does a fantastic job narrating.
©1979, 2023 University of Oklahoma Press (P)2024 Redwood Audiobooks
By: Robert W. Wheeler
Narrated by: Chaz Allen
Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
Release date: 06-04-24
