Sally Jenkins, author of The Real All-Americans, and Steve Sheinkin, author of Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team, tell the story of the man who changed the sporting world forever. Born in Indian Territory to parents of Sac and Fox heritage, Jim Thorpe rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest athletes of all time.
At Carlisle, under coach Pop Warner, Thorpe stunned the nation by leading a team of Native American students to victory against the best college football programs in the country. He went on to win Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon, dominate professional baseball and football, and redefine what was possible for an American athlete.
Yet behind his triumphs lay a story of prejudice, perseverance, and unshakable spirit. Jenkins and Sheinkin revisit Thorpe’s remarkable journey—a tale of raw talent, cultural pride, and the enduring fight for recognition both on and off the field. We'd like to thank the U.S National Archives for allowing us access to this audio.
