Muhammad Ali

Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., now known as Muhammad Ali, began boxing at the age of 12 in the year 1954. It all began when someone stole his bicycle. In an attempt to channel young Cassius's aggression, the policeman who Cassius reported the crime to sent Cassius to the boxing trainer Fred Stoner. There is no doubt that this was a historic event.

Thanks to Fred Stoner's training, Cassius Clay had many boxing victories. One of these many victories was particularly important. It was when Clay won the light-heavyweight gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Rome over a Polish fighter named Zbigniew Pietrzykowski. When he returned to the USA he was promptly refused service by a waitress in a segregated restaurant and then unfortunately had a disagreement that turned physical with a white street gang. This turn of events caused him to be so disgusted by the way American society functioned that he threw his previously won medal into the Ohio River. Though this event was life changing, Cassius still held strong, turned professional and went on to win the first two fights of his professional career in 1960.

A symbol of the sixties is the name changes among the members of the NOI (Nation of Islam). For example, Malcom X was born as Malcom Little. So, when Cassius Clay become Muslim he changed his name to Muhammad Ali. The symbolism of the name change suggested a more radical turn to the civil rights movement. Arenas that had once begged for a fight involving him turned down matches with Ali. When he finally did have a chance to fight it was with Ernie Terrell, who had made a point of telling the press that he would not call Cassius Clay by any other name besides the name he was born with. This proved to be a mistake because during the fight Ali beat him mercilessly while saying, "What's my name? What's my name?" This goes to show how Ali felt about his new name. In the year 1960 Ali was registered for draft as required by law and was called to war. He then asked for the status of conscientious objector, which meant that due to his religious beliefs he could not participate in any war. His request was denied, and he asked for a hearing that was held in 1966. At the hearing he had to convince the hearing officer that he had legitimate reasons for his objection to military service. His appeal was turned down. Ali was to be sent to war but he refused and was sentenced to 5 years in prison and a fine of $10,000. He was released from jail, but his passport and heavywieght championship were taken away. Many argue whether Ali is a hero or just plain stubborn.

Later in his life, Ali lost a unanimous decision to Trevor Berbick, and finally retired in 1981 with an amazing professional record of 56 wins, 5 losses. Then unfortunately in 1984 Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder whose symptoms include muscle tremors and slowness of speech. On a happier note, Ali carried the Olympic torch and lit the cauldron to signal the beginning of the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. At the same event he was also given a second gold medal to replace the one he threw in the Ohio River 36 years before. Ali's later life is both joyful and tragic.

Muhammad Ali's legacy will live on forever. Yes, he is a three-time World Heavyweight Champion and the man who was named the Greatest Athlete of the 20th Century by Sports Illustrated magazine, but most importantly he stayed true to his beliefs no matter what. That's why Muhammad Ali is my hero.