Muhammad Ali, America’s boldest boxer, died on Friday at the age of 74 due to Parkinson's Disease. Ali's fame stemmed from his confidence, strength, and courage in all aspects of his life. He refused the draft, was the face of black power, and inspired millions in the ring. Ali was known for his talk, and had something encouraging to say about any feat.
When it comes to being true to yourself:
“I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky, my name, not yours. My religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.”
When it comes to dreams:
“A man who has no imagination has no wings.”
When it comes to the impossible:
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
When it comes to results:
“The fight is won or lost far away from the witnesses -- behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.”
When it comes to confidence:
"To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.”
Sugar Ray Leonard had some things to say about Ali as well:
“Muhammad Ali was a god, an idol and an icon. He was boxing. Any kid that had the opportunity to talk to Ali to get advice from Muhammad Ali, was privileged. He’s always given me time to ask questions, although I was so in awe that I didn’t ask questions. “
“I watched Muhammad Ali, how when he would speak, how it was such a thing of beauty. It sounded so wonderful. And I wanted to be like him. “
So did Will McDonough:
“Muhammad Ali is a combination of personality and athlete who is probably better known around the world than any other. He became a great hero.”
Muhammad Ali encapsulates the quote, “heroes get remembered, but legends never die,” better than any athlete that has ever walked this earth. His being will be missed, but his legacy lives on forever.
Rest in peace, the Greatest.
