“I’ll Never Forget It”: Muhammad Ali’s Stern Advice to Michael Phelps Before His Second Olympic Games, Changed His Career Forever

In each sport, some people make headlines for all the right reasons. Either they had an impact while performing their discipline or created a legacy for ages. Both Muhammad Ali and Michael Phelps are two names that come to everyone’s minds. They elevated their status to the GOAT level after they commanded their respective sport. Thus, when the two met, it became an iconic moment.

Phelps loved Ali like everyone did and talked about his influence on his career. For a person to understand the dominance he displayed in the sport, one had to look into the various quotes he came up with that proved to be inspiring. Hence, Phelps took the time to explain the brilliance of Muhammad Ali. 

Michael Phelps loves Muhammad Ali!

Phelps had met Ali a few times and loved his experience with the champion boxer. He recalled their 2004 meeting with Sugar Ray Leonard and Mary Lou Retton while discussing their famous photograph of mimicking punches. Before he went to the 2004 Athens Olympics, Phelps shared Ali’s expectations of the swimmer and wanted him to win medals for his country, which he did with ease. 

Significantly, the impact Ali had on Phelps’ career was the same as he had on everyone else. Phelps talked about his whole persona and loved their meetup. “I’ve had the privilege to meet Muhammad Ali a few times,” he said. “In 2004 we did a panel – me, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mary Lou Retton and Muhammad Ali. I’ll never forget it. I have a picture of him throwing a punch at me and I remember him saying to me before I went to Athens ‘You’d better win all those medals.’

READ MORE- Young Thug’s Challenge to Michael Phelps from Jail Backfires at Him in Court

Phelps continued, “He was someone who stood up for what he believed in. Not only was he great for what he did inside the ring, but what he did outside the ring made him who he was. He is someone who will be terribly missed. He was somebody that a lot of athletes looked up to, me included,” said Phelps. Apart from floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee, Ali’s influence off the ring was astounding. 

The tale of the two GOATS

The legacy of Ali is one to savor for generations. He successfully defended his world heavyweight championship title 19 times and bragged his way to decimating his opponents. He stood for his community and helped tackle various political and controversial issues. To some, he is the greatest inside the ring, while others adored his charismatic personality off it. 

Like Phelps, Ali had a cult fan following like no other person. Having a larger-than-life persona, Muhammad Ali is a champion in many people’s hearts. Affectionately known as the greatest of all time, fans love to speak about the various fabled tales in his illustrious career. A true GOAT!

WATCH THIS STORY- Swimming GOAT Michael Phelps Dazzled his Fans by Sharing his Stunning Workout on Instagram