– ‘Legacy will forever endure’ –
Ali won an Olympic gold medal in 1960 and lit the torch at the 1996 Olympic opening ceremony.
“The sports world has lost one of its most iconic figures,” US Olympic Committee chief executive officer Scott Blackmun said. “With unparalleled grit and determination, he left a legacy that will continue to inspire.”
Los Angeles 2024 Olympic bid vice chair Janet Evans, a four-time Olympic champion swimmer who handed Ali the torch in 1996, said Ali “inspired me and millions of others around the world to be the best version of ourselves. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will forever endure.”
Retired US fighter and promoter Oscar de la Hoya said Ali “exemplified courage. He never took the easy route, something to be admired in and outside of the ring.”
Today’s top boxers paid tribute to Ali, with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez tweeting: “My idol has left us. I will always remember you as the best and will follow ur example. Your legend will live forever” and Gennady Golovkin tweeting: “The Greatest. In boxing and in life, an inspiration to mankind.”
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