David Maraniss

In this conversation, David Maraniss, a New York Times best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize winner, shares insights from his latest biography about Jim Thorpe, America’s greatest all-around athlete. They discuss the crucial balance between natural talent and hard work in sports, using legends like Thorpe and Bo Jackson as examples. Maraniss also addresses the complexities of navigating historical narratives, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity in representing Indigenous experiences. Lastly, he reflects on how the pandemic influenced his writing process.

Jim Thorpe, one of the greatest athletes ever, is celebrated by a new generation of Native Americans. Topics discussed include Thorpe's extraordinary career, unfair treatment and victimization, fight against derogatory team names, repatriation battle for his remains, and his remarkable history and perseverance. Indigenous excellence and resilience are highlighted through the album 'The Story of Jim Thorpe' and Native American perspectives.