Oct. 01, 2020
HARRISBURG – A resolution to reinstate Jim Thorpe as the sole gold medal winner of two Olympic events was advanced in a unanimous vote by the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee today, according to Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), prime sponsor of the legislation and a committee member.
House Resolution 1001 now moves to the full House for consideration.
“My resolution encourages the International Olympic Committee to reinstate Jim Thorpe as the sole gold medal winner of the pentathlon and decathlon events during the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm,” said Heffley. “Unfortunately, his gold medals were revoked after it was discovered that he violated strict rules regarding amateurism. The medals were reinstated in 1982. However, Thorpe was only recognized as a co-gold medal winner with the athletes who were elevated to gold medal status after his medals were revoked. I believe the time is long overdue to reinstate one of our nation’s greatest athletes as the rightful winner of these two Olympic events.”
The town of Jim Thorpe, where the athlete is buried, is located in the 122nd Legislative District, which Heffley represents.
To view or download a broadcast-quality video of Heffley’s remarks during the meeting, click the video box below.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
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abriggs@pahousegop.com
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