"Born 123 years ago, rocketed to fame 99 years ago, died 58 years ago. But Jim Thorpe's story still resonates. Debate still rages. No rest in peace for America's greatest athlete.

Thorpe biographer Kate Buford spoke Thursday at the Jim Thorpe Association Quarterly Leadership Luncheon. Her book, Native American Son: The Life and Sporting Legend of Jim Thorpe, has drawn rave reviews.

Ironic that I heard Buford speak on the very day I had decided to write about Thorpe.

Last month, in a span of 20 hours, I heard independently from two Oklahoma historians I hold in high esteem, both talking about Jim Thorpe, Pa."

Get the Story:
Berry Tramel: 58 years after Thorpe's death, a debate lives on (The Oklahoman 7/15)

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