(1887-1953) Original signature by Jim Thorpe (USA) on a program booklet "20th American Indian Exposition 1951" in pencil. Thorpe won two gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympic Games. After his Olympic career, Thorpe was a professional footballer and later a player and coach in the NFL. 28x22 cm. Includes two private black and white photos (each 9x9 cm) of Thorpe at the 20th American Indian Exposition 1951 with the autograph collector, who had the program booklet signed by Thorpe on this occasion. --Rare authentic autograph from Jim Thorpe. Thorpe was the first athlete of Native American descent to win a gold medal for the USA. In 1913, both medals were taken away from him because he was said to have violated amateur status. It was not until 1983 that he was rehabilitated by the IOC and is again included in the list of winners of the Olympic Games. "Due to the fact that Thorpe played several sports at the highest level, he is considered one of the most outstanding athletes in modern sport. The Associated Press calls him the best athlete of the first half of the 20th century. In 1963, he was one of the first players ever to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame." (wiki). Included: press photo of Thorpe from 1931; color newspaper cover from 1912 with Thorpe and others. Condition: A