Muhammad Ali, Dead At 74

You can't get away from coverage of the death of Muhammad Ali this weekend, and for good reason.  He  was arguably the greatest fighter ever, and possibly the greatest athlete ever.  More importantly, he was a great and courageous man.  The things he did in the 1960's most people would never consider.  Changing his name and religion, declining to fight in Vietnam and getting stripped of his title and losing several years of competition at the height of his career show the strength and character of the man.  He had principles, and he stood by them, regardless of how it effected him.  How many of us would do that?  Then, at age 42, he developed Parkinson's.  Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he raised millions of dollars to fight the disease, and traveled the world to speak out for those with Parkinson's.  I admired him as both and athlete and a man, and the world will miss this giant.

I have one personal Muhammad Ali story, that will show the softer, more loving side of the man.  In the 1990's Ron and I were on our way to Louisville for a horse race.  Because of weather, our flight was delayed, so we went to the Red Carpet Room (United) at LAX.  We sat down, and who was sitting next to us but the man himself.  We were a little in awe of him and were not sure how to approach him, but he made it easy.  Even though he could not talk at this time, he put us at ease with a MAGIC trick.  Muhammad was a lover of magic, and was very good.  He had several tricks ready, and within a few minutes, Muhammad was playing to the crowd.  Kids, parents and grandparents all gathered round to watch  Ali perform his magic.  He just had a way of relating to people, a twinkle in his eye.  He had the group of stranded travelers in the palm of his hand.  He was no longer able to wow us in the boxing ring, but he wowed us at the airport that day.  I will never forget that encounter with Muhammad Ali, and feel lucky I was able to meet him, brief as it was, and realize that greatness and courageousness comes in many forms.  No longer able to fight, talk, or walk very well, he was still a giant of a man.  Ali, you will be missed.