Jim Thorpe

[Bored5000]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Did he really say, "Thanks, King"?

In Kate Buford's extensive 2010 biography of Thorpe, she insists that the story never happened, pointing out among other things that the "Thanks, King" claim was not reported contemporaneously and only began being reported in newspapers in the 1940s.

“It would be claimed,” she writes, “that Jim replied, ‘Thanks, King,’ as if he knew no better, the story undermining the moment of his greatest triumph.” She argues that, “A flippant reply would have been out of character for a man who was highly uncomfortable in public ceremonies and hated to stand out.” Movie footage of the event shows Thorpe accepting the award, taking a step back, making a bowing motion to the King and then rejoining his teammates."

https://thislandpress.com/2012/07/27...-all-american/

I live about 45 minutes from Jim Thorpe, Pa., and have visited his burial place several times, FWIW, the "Thanks, King" story is mentioned at Thorpe's tomb in the town that carries his name today.