Greatest Athlete Ever?

Story of The Week

Jim Thorpe was born in 1887 in a small Native American village in Oklahoma, facing a life of poverty and racial discrimination from the start. His early years were marked by profound personal tragedies; his twin brother, Charlie, died of pneumonia when they were nine, and his mother, Charlotte, passed away due to childbirth complications when Jim was still a young boy. These losses deeply affected him and compounded the hardships he faced growing up.

Thorpe attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, where Native American children were forced to abandon their cultural identities. They were punished for speaking their native languages and practicing their traditions, part of a broader U.S. policy aimed at assimilating Native Americans into white society. Despite this oppressive environment, Thorpe's extraordinary talent for sports emerged. Under the guidance of coach Pop Warner, he excelled in multiple sports, most notably football and track and field.

In 1912, Thorpe's talent shone brightly on the world stage when he competed in the Stockholm Olympics, winning gold medals in both the pentathlon and decathlon. His victories earned him the title of the greatest athlete in the world. However, his triumphs were overshadowed by controversy when it was revealed that he had played semi-professional baseball, leading to the revocation of his Olympic titles. This setback didn't deter Thorpe; he went on to play professional football and baseball, showcasing his versatility and unmatched skill.

Thorpe's legacy is not just his athletic achievements but also his resilience in the face of adversity. He fought against racial prejudice and personal tragedies, proving that determination and talent could break barriers. His Olympic titles were eventually reinstated posthumously, cementing his place as a true sports legend. Jim Thorpe's story is a testament to overcoming the odds and achieving greatness, inspiring generations to come.

Stat of the week

Summertime Fishing Anyone?

The largest fish ever caught was an enormous great white shark, weighing in at an astonishing 2,664 pounds (1,208.38 kg). This record-breaking catch was made by Alfred Dean off the coast of Australia, in 1959. It only took him 50 minutes to reel in the shark, an impressive feat that has held the world record for over 60 years​.

The largest fish ever caught in North America is a white sturgeon, weighing an astounding 1,385 pounds. This massive fish was caught by angler Joey Pallotta in the Sacramento River, California, in 1983. White sturgeons are ancient fish that have remained relatively unchanged for millions of years. They can actually live for more than 100 years.