Inspiring People

Muhammad Ali

Some of the qualities of Muhammad Ali are that he had great courage, self-discipline and he believed in tolerance of all people.

Muhammad Ali is one of the most famous sportsmen ever and is well known for his work against racism.

Ali was born on 17th January 1942 in Louisville in America and his original name was Cassius Clay. In his early years Ali decided to drop out of school but then started a well known sports school where he attended until he was 18.

He started boxing when he was just 12 years old and trained hard to take part in the Olympics in Rome in 1960. Ali won the gold medal in that competition but later threw the medal into the Ohio River after a restaurant refused to serve him because he wasn't white.

He became known as the greatest boxer of all time and was well liked by the press because of his clever poems that he created. His fast feet lead to the expression 'float like a butterfly and sting like a bee' being used to describe his style of fighting.

Ali was very confident in his ability and called himself 'The Greatest'. In 1964 he became a Muslim and changed his name from Cassius Clay to Mohammad Ali. He wanted to get rid off his old name as it had been given to him and his ancestors as a slave name when black people were used as slaves in America.

Although he is most well known for his fighting, he is also famous for his fight against racism and became a controversial figure when he campaigned against white people.

Ali has since done a great amount of work for charities around the world and has worked with the United Nations to help gain peace in many countries.

Muhammad Ali was a very influential figure who stood up for what he believed in. Once he decided that something was wrong he used his position in society to make a difference and help the lives of others.