Profile: Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe (1888-1953) was a Native American athlete and Olympian who excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and track and field. He is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, and his accomplishments on the field and track are legendary.

What makes them a Polymath?

Thorpe's ability to excel in multiple sports, and his overall athleticism, make him a polymath. He was not only a skilled athlete, but also a coach, advocate for Native American rights, and actor.

Skills:

• Athletics: Thorpe was an incredibly skilled athlete, excelling in multiple sports at the highest levels.

• Coaching: In addition to his own athletic achievements, Thorpe was also a successful coach, helping to lead the Carlisle Indian School football team to multiple victories.

• Advocacy: Thorpe was a vocal advocate for Native American rights and worked to improve conditions for Native American communities throughout his life.

• Acting: Later in life, Thorpe turned to acting and appeared in several films, showcasing his versatility and range as a performer.

How they combined them:

Thorpe's athletic abilities allowed him to become a successful coach, helping to develop the talents of other athletes. His advocacy work was informed by his own experiences as a Native American athlete and his desire to improve the lives of those in his community. Later in life, his success in athletics and advocacy allowed him to pursue a career in acting, where he continued to showcase his many talents.

5 Actionable tips from Jim Thorpe's life:

1. Embrace your natural talents and interests, and work to develop them to the best of your abilities.

2. Don't be afraid to explore multiple areas of interest and expertise, as they can often complement and enhance one another.

3. Use your success and platform to advocate for causes and communities that you are passionate about.

4. Seek out opportunities to share your skills and expertise with others, whether through coaching, mentoring, or other forms of teaching.

5. Continually challenge yourself to learn and grow and be open to new experiences and opportunities that can help you expand your knowledge and skills.