Jim Thorpe, a Native American athlete, is often regarded as one of the greatest sportsmen of the 20th century. He dominated the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, winning gold medals in both the pentathlon and decathlon. However, soon after, his medals were stripped by the International Olympic Committee due to what was deemed a violation of amateurism rules—specifically, Thorpe’s previous participation in semi-professional baseball. This decision marred his Olympic legacy and prompted decades of advocacy for his medals’ reinstatement. In January 1983, the International Olympic Committee officially restored Jim Thorpe's medals to his family. This act was not merely a ceremonial gesture; it was a significant recognition of the injustices faced by Thorpe during his life and after his passing in 1953. The ceremony to return the medals was marked by emotional speeches that highlighted Thorpe's extraordinary achievements and the impact of systemic racism and the rigid amateurism rules of the time. It served as a moment of reconciliation for Thorpe's legacy and his family's enduring commitment to restoring what they felt was rightfully theirs.Moreover, this event is set against the backdrop of a broader conversation about race, identity, and representation in sports. It emphasized the ongoing struggle for recognition faced by many Native American athletes and served as a catalyst for upcoming discussions about ethics within sports governance. In sum, the restoration of Thorpe's medals not only honored the man himself but also sparked a necessary dialogue regarding fairness and integrity in sports.