The International Olympic Committee decided to restore Jim Thorpe's 1912 gold medals because he had been paid to play baseball.
The Associated Press named Jim Thorpe the greatest athlete of the first half of the 20th century. He was stripped of his medals for violating amateurism rules because he had played minor league baseball in 1909-10, earning $2 per game to $35 per week. The IOC stripped Thorpe of his professional status due to the Amateur Athletic Union withdrawing his amateur status.
Since the decision, it has been controversial. He was the first Native American to win a gold medal.
After years of lobbying, the IOC Executive Committee reinstated Thorpe in October 1982. He was the sole champ on Thursday.
The situation is exceptional and unique according to the IOC president. The National Olympic Committees made a gesture of fair play.
There is no confusion about the most remarkable athlete in history, and we are so grateful his nearly-110-year-old injustice has been corrected. She is a member of the Potawatomi Nation.
She said that Jim Thorpe is an American hero. He represented this country before Native Americans were even considered citizens. He never gave in to bitterness or felt bad for his coach, the American Athletic Union or anyone else. On the 110th anniversary of Jim being awarded his Olympic gold medals, I am praying that the truth has been told.
There was a petition on the Bright Path Strong website that asked the IOC to restore the title of sole champion in both events.
He played for the New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds and Boston Braves. He was a member of the first-ever all-decade team in the National Football League in 1931. He was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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