If one wishes to win, the individual will find a way to do so, irrespective of what may come in the way

Humans have always defied the odds to achieve their targets, be it in science or sports. In this trivia, let us enlighten you about an athlete whose shoes were stolen at the last minute, yet he won against all odds to win two Olympic medals.

James Francis Thorpe

James Francis Thorpe, also known as Jim Thorpe, was the first Native American to win Olympic medals.

Two medals

In 1912, Thorpe won two Olympic gold medals – one in the classic pentathlon and the other in the decathlon.

No shoes

Before the events, Thorpe’s running shoes were nowhere to be found.

Improvisation

Thorpe found a pair of mismatched shoes in a nearby garbage can. He still wore them, however, by wearing two layers of socks so that the shoes remained tight during the race.

Defying odds

Thorpe won two gold medals and stunned the world.