Brave, Braver, Bravo - Muhammed Ali

Last updated: 13/03/2008 17:51

In the face of massive handicaps, some stars have overcome incredible odds. Their stories have inspired millions and continue to do so. This time, we look at the story of Muhammed Ali.It was a warm summer's evening in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Olympic Stadium was filled to capacity for the opening ceremony of the 1996 Olympic games.Swimmer Janet Evans, the final torchbearer on the Olympic flame's journey around the globe, ran into the stadium and passed the Olympic torch to a frail , quivering figure. He raised the flame hesitantly in his right hand and suddenly was bathed in light. He was Muhammed Ali.Ali, an Olympic gold medallist and three time world heavy weight boxing champion, fought too hard for too long over the course of his storied career, and now he pays the price. In 1982 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome, and his razor sharp, one punch two punch moves have faded slowly ever since.Before Ali left the Olympic Stadium that night, President Bill Clinton asked to see him. Standing directly in front of Ali, he put his hands on Ali's shoulders and said: "They didn't tell me who would light the flame, but when I saw it was you, I cried."Clinton was not alone.The sight of Ali - once the finest athlete on earth and the self proclaimed "Greatest Boxer" - shaking uncontrollably was at once heart breaking and life affirming.The Champ was no longer in full control of his body, but his defiance in the face of massive physical odds inspired millions of able bodied admirers - much like his athleticism and defiant humanitarian work had years before when he was in his formidable physical prime.Parkinson's had kept Ali from running the 1996 Olympic torch, but it hadn't dulled his famous sense of humour. "The flame wouldn't catch," he joked after the ceremony. "I looked around, then puffed on it. The whole world was watching! Three billion people, and I look like a fool."After a breath the Olympic flame did eventually catch fire but perhaps more than ever, Ali's spirit burned brightest of all that night.

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