Written by: Ray Lamar Inspired by: Artist Bill Rembert
The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust. That’s what confidence is. Knowing that you possess the skills to do something and executing the task at hand requires one to be confident. Athletes gain their confidence to compete at a high level in their offseason training. Spending the time, giving the effort, and monitoring progress is all a part of the championship mentality. Muhammad Ali was the epitome of confidence in the athletic world. He knew he had the competence to both mentally and physically intimidate is opponents.
Muhammad Ali is known for his Speed, Power, and his contentious statements. His statements came from his whit, intelligence, and wisdom. Most importantly he made comments that came from the heart, he said things that people needed to hear. He was an inspiration to African American athletes showing that athletes could voice their opinions openly in a segregated society. Ali would use his words to throw his opponents off before stepping in the ring with comments such as “I should be a postage stamp. That’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.”
Ali also spoke out about social issues such as war, and in particular the Vitanam War. Ali refused military service and was suspended from boxing in the 1970s as a result. After the suspension was lifted Ali’s career exploded winning the heavyweight tiltle with victories over Joe Frazer and George Forman. Prior to this Ali was the Heavyweight Champion in 1964. Muhammad Ali would also become a gold medalist in the 1960 olympics in Rome Italy at 18 years old.