On January 26, 1913, Jim Thorpe, one of the most versatile athletes in sports history, wrote a letter to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) that would change his life and legacy forever. In the letter, Thorpe admitted to playing semi-professional baseball in 1909 and 1910, which violated the strict amateurism rules of the time.
Thorpe had just returned from the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, where he had won gold medals in both the pentathlon and decathlon. His incredible performances had earned him the admiration of fans worldwide, and he was even personally congratulated by King Gustav V of Sweden, who declared him "the greatest athlete in the world."
However, the revelation of his past involvement in semi-pro baseball led the AAU and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to strip Thorpe of his Olympic titles and medals. The decision was controversial, as many argued that Thorpe's athletic achievements far outweighed his minor violation of amateurism rules.
Despite the setback, Thorpe went on to have a remarkable career in professional sports. He played baseball in the major leagues from 1913 to 1919, and then transitioned to football, where he became one of the early stars of the National Football League (NFL). Thorpe's versatility and athleticism made him a legend in both sports.
It would take years for the injustice against Thorpe to be rectified. In 1982, nearly 30 years after his death, the IOC finally restored Thorpe's Olympic medals and records. Today, he is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of sports enthusiasts.
