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Ali's championship spirit
Olympic Gold, Athletic ability
Sports Illustrated praises his "supreme confidence" and "intricate dance steps." Young Cassius Clay is one of the brightest hopes on the 1960 US Olympic Boxing team. He makes it through his first 3 bouts with relative ease. In the final, however, Polish left-hander Pietrzkowski is likely ahead on points until Clay mounts a furious attack in the final round to win.
The proud eighteen year old with the amazing athletic ability stands atop the gold medal stand just months after graduating from high school, and refuses to take his Olympic gold medal from around his neck for two full days.
"Mayor of the Olympic Village," Warmth and Showmanship
Young Cassius Clay is so scared of flying that he brings an Army surplus parachute for his flight to Rome. However, once there, the future champion's outgoing personality inspires teammates to call him the "Mayor of the Olympic Village."
In the Village, Clay greets the legendary Bing Crosby. He also meets then Heavyweight World Champion Floyd Patterson. In his typical brash style, Clay tells Patterson that he will one day "whup" him. In fact, he does just that, defeating Patterson not once, but twice.
"Lighting the 1996 Olympic flame," Perseverance
At a time when he can easily retire and rest on his laurels, Muhammad Ali continues to push forward with important humanitarian and charitable endeavors. UN Messenger of Peace, recipient of the US Presidential Medal of Freedom as well as active participant in Make-a-Wish, Fight Night, and countless other charitable endeavors, Muhammad remains involved and committed.
Perseverance and dedication is what brings him boxing greatness. That same spirit is with him in his humanitarian efforts, symbolized by the moment in 1996 when he mounts the stairs in Atlanta to light the Olympic torch while millions watch.
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