Known as ‘The Ali’ by Track & Field enthusiasts of the day. The Muhammad Ali Invitational Track Meet started in 1979 in Long Beach, CA. The highlight was an 800-meter race that featured high-jumper Dwight Stones, former WBA heavyweight champ Jimmy Ellis, jockey Angel Cordero, and U.S. Senator Alan Cranston. Ali got involved in the event to help bring attention to track & field stars in the USA. The invitational was a staple of the indoor track circuit in the late ’70s and early ’80s and featured world class athletes and several indoor record breaking performances.
“I’m so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and I was in bed before the room was dark.” Muhammad Ali
