The World's Greatest...

...I figured that if I said it enough, I would convince the world that I really was the greatest." -Muhammad Ali

And he did. Today I had the extreme privilege and honor of standing in the same room as Muhammad Ali. Asked to help out on a shoot, I was humbled and blessed to be in the presence of "the world's greatest."

The body and strength of the man I saw today was much different than the body and strength of the man pictured above. The man I saw today was frail, shaky and could hardly speak. He could offer little more than his face and a couple fist jabs for the camera. But that was enough. The mere image of Muhammad Ali is enough to inspire millions.

As Ali sat down in front of bright lights and a camera, the hush that fell over the set was almost tangible. The shaky, helpless image was sad to see and I couldn't help but thinking how despite his present frailties, his strength still shined through. Amazing how a man so weak in the present can inspire because of his past.

Muhammad Ali was a champion multiple times. A three-time world heavyweight championship and Olympic gold medalist, Ali was named Sportsman of the 20th century by both Sports Illustrated and BBC. He is revered and respected around the world and known as the world's greatest athlete. But a lot of athletes have won multiple championships. A lot of athletes have won multiple gold medals. So why does Ali hold the title of the World's Greatest? What made him stand out?

Muhammad Ali spoke what he believed.

Many people believe in things but are too afraid to speak it, too afraid of negative reactions that might come. With courage and confidence Ali claimed he was the greatest before he was even a champion. His loose tongue and defiant attitude upset many, including the US government. But the words that so freely rolled off his tongue are what gave him a voice that lasts today, a voice that teaches and inspires, a voice that permeates generations, even when his throat can hardly make sound.

Today I saw a man without the physical strength of a champion but with the spirit, will, determination and most importantly confidence of a legend.



"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'"