Muhammad Ali was actually born with the name Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. He was born January 17, 1942 in Kentucky. He became interested in boxing after someone stole his bike and he wanted to beat them up. A police man told him he should learn how to fight first. He did learn to box and was very good at it. He won an Olympic gold medal in boxing in 1960. He quit boxing for awhile and then came back to it later.
He announced that he has Parkinson’s disease in 1984. Since then he has supported the Special Olympics and Make a Wish Foundation. He has traveled to many countries
to help people in need. Ali got the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush.
Ali is quoted as saying, “Many fans wanted to build a museum to acknowledge my achievements. I wanted more than a building to house my memorabilia. I wanted a place that would inspire people to be the best that they could be at whatever they chose to do, and to encourage them to be respectful of one another.”
I thinks Muhammad Ali is a hero because even though he is sick with Parkinson’s disease he still goes and helps others in need.
Audrey's Black Belt 