Definition

Proper noun: * Jim Thorpe: An outstanding United States athlete (1888-1953). He is widely considered one of the greatest and most versatile athletes of the 20th century, having achieved success in multiple sports at the highest levels.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Jim Thorpe won gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympics.
  • The town was renamed in honor of the legendary athlete Jim Thorpe.
  • Many historians regard Jim Thorpe as one of the finest all-around athletes in history.

Advanced Usage

• "The Jim Thorpe Award": A prestigious annual award given to the best defensive back in American college football, named in his honor.
  • Winning the Jim Thorpe Award is a major accomplishment for any collegiate defensive back.

Variants and Related Words

• Thorpe, James Francis Thorpe: Full name variants.
  • James Francis Thorpe was of Sac and Fox and Potawatomi descent.

Synonyms

• Athlete, sportsman, Olympian: General terms for a person proficient in sports.
  • He was more than just an athlete; he was a cultural icon.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• "The world's greatest athlete": A common epithet used to describe Jim Thorpe, especially following his 1912 Olympic victories.
  • King Gustav V of Sweden reportedly told Thorpe, "Sir, you are the world's greatest athlete."

Noun

1. outstanding United States athlete (1888-1953)