6. Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe, born in 1888, was a Native American athlete who excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and track and field. At the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, he won gold medals in both the pentathlon and decathlon, setting a world record in the decathlon that stood until 1948. His versatility and achievements challenged prevailing stereotypes about indigenous athletes and highlighted their potential in mainstream sports. For a comprehensive profile, visit the International Olympic Committee’s website.
