How Sad...

[pastafreak]

To see Mohammed Ali....a shadow of the man he once was.

[tonyav]

He looked like a zombie.

[B00]

you said he fought in the Olympics ummmm, and yes he did, but that doesn't really answer the question why he was given such a starring role.

[ummmm]

I thought it was his wife.

[RATTER15]

Totally agree with NOX!!! well said!

[pastafreak]

But this is not about just British athletes,is it? There were many others from other countries-in case folks hadn't noticed.

[Sqad]

I agree with BOO......I thought that these Olympics was a British event......Mohammed Ali could and should have been replaced by Roger Bannister.

[ummmm]

You call that a starring role?

Maybe it's down to the fact that he might not live to see another Olympics.

Matthew Pinsent was a torchbearer in one of the Olympics (not sure which one) so the sports achievers are not always from the host country.

[NOX]

I think the countless references to the war and James Bond and the Queen flying in on parachutes was probably enough to make people aware it was a 'British' event Squad- can't see many other countries doing that to be honest. lol

[tonyav]

Did Henry Cooper ever compete in the Olympic games ?

[pastafreak]

If you are going to question Ali's participation...then why the heck was Daniel Barenboim also assisting in carrying the flag... he's conductor!
Isn't it about many different people taking part?

[B00]

didn't know what else to call it ummmm, perhaps "starring " role was a bit off. I see me and sqad are in the minority on this one, lol.

[NOX]

Why, can you raise people from the dead Tony?

[tonyav]

No NOX, but that wasn't the question was it !

[NOX]

No very true Tony, it wasn't the question- but to answer it now- yes Henry Cooper did fight in the 1952 Olympics.

[ummmm]

It appears he did...

http://www.sports-ref...o/henry-cooper-1.html

[tonyav]

Righto thanks, I didn't know if he had ever competed in the Olympics.