Jim Thorpe’s parents were of mixed ancestry. His mother was Native American Indian, from the Sauk and Fox tribe. His father was of white ancestry. His Indian name was Wa Tho Huk, which, when translated, means "Bright Path." He and his twin brother, Charlie, were raised in Prague, Oklahoma. Charlie died at age 9. Jim became an athlete; playing baseball, football, basketball and track. He attended Carlisle Industrial Indian School in Pennsylvania, where he excelled in track and field events. In the summer Olympics of 1912, he won two gold medals in the pentathlon and the decathlon. When the Olympic Committee discovered that Thorpe had a semi professional career, his medals were stripped from him, as it was a violation to earn income during his amateur career.   

After the Olympics, Thorpe became a professional baseball player and played for the New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Braves. During that same period, he also played professional football for the Canton Ohio bulldogs (1915-20) and the Cleveland Indians (1921). In addition, he instructed an all Native American football team. He was instrumental in forming the American Football League and became president of the organization.  

After football, Thorpe worked as an extra in several motion pictures. He played an American Indian in westerns. Eventually, he developed an alcohol problem and married three times. He died on April 28th, 1953, the father of seven children. His family made arrangements with the town of Mauk Chunk, PA, which was trying to attract more tourism. They renamed the town Jim Thorpe, PA, and erected a monument with these words: “Jim Thorpe: Greatest Athlete in the World”. After his death, his name was cleared by the Olympic Committee and his Olympic medals were returned to his family. His can always be considered a “Bright Path” for others to follow.