#9: An Inspiring Olympic Moment
The Olympics are full of inspiring moments. However, not all inspiring moments happen during athletic competitions. The opening ceremony provides plenty of emotional and inspirational moments for athletes and viewers alike. The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games opening ceremony was particularly emotional because of the man who lit the famous ceremonial torch.
Muhammad Ali remains one of the most iconic and famous athletes in the world. He was given the honor of lighting the 1996 Olympic torch during the opening ceremony. Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984. One of the world’s most famous and accomplished athletes, Ali brought awareness to the disease with dignity, grace, and honor. The moment Ali lights the torch is one of the most poignant in Olympic history.