Athlete
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. He won a gold medal at the Rome Olympics at age 18 and became the world heavyweight champion at 22.
Muhammad Ali was born in 1942 and lived to age 74. Anyone born before 1942 is older than Muhammad. Anyone over 74 is older than Muhammad ever was.
Born
January 17, 1942
Louisville, Kentucky
World pop: ~2.3B
Died
June 3, 2016
World pop: ~7.5B
Muhammad's age at death
74
Your age
20
Are you older than Muhammad Ali?
No — Muhammad Ali was born in 1942. You were born in 2006, making you 64 years younger. Muhammad lived to age 74. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than Muhammad was when he died.
At your age (20), Muhammad had already won a gold medal at the Rome Olympics (at age 18), but hadn't yet became the world heavyweight champion (at age 22).
Muhammad's Life Timeline
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in a segregated America, where he began boxing at the age of 12. His early life was marked by his determination and passion for the sport, which would later lead him to become one of the most celebrated athletes in history.
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Ali's career achievements began when he won a gold medal in boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics at the age of 18. He became the world heavyweight champion in 1964 after defeating Sonny Liston, and shortly thereafter, he announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Over his career, he became a three-time world heavyweight champion, known for his iconic fights against Joe Frazier, George Foreman, and Ken Norton, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Ali's legacy extends beyond the boxing ring; he became a global icon for his stance on civil rights and social justice. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984, which he battled for over three decades. Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and a commitment to humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Won a gold medal at the Rome Olympics
Muhammad Ali was 18 years old when he won a gold medal in boxing at the 1960 Rome Olympics. This victory marked the beginning of his illustrious boxing career and showcased his talent on an international stage.
Muhammad Ali was 18 years old when he won a gold medal at the Rome Olympics in 1960. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Became the world heavyweight champion
Muhammad Ali was 22 years old when he became the world heavyweight champion by defeating Sonny Liston. This victory was significant as it made him the youngest boxer to win the heavyweight title at that time.
Muhammad Ali was 22 years old when he became the world heavyweight champion in 1964. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Changed his name to Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali was 22 years old when he announced his conversion to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. This change symbolized his commitment to his beliefs and his rejection of racial discrimination.
Muhammad Ali was 22 years old when he changed his name to Muhammad Ali in 1964. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Refused military service
Muhammad Ali was 25 years old when he refused to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. This decision led to significant legal battles and highlighted his stance on civil rights.
Muhammad Ali was 25 years old when he refused military service in 1967. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Regained the heavyweight title
Muhammad Ali was 36 years old when he regained the heavyweight title by defeating Leon Spinks. This victory made him the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three times, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Muhammad Ali was 36 years old when he regained the heavyweight title in 1978. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Retired from boxing
Muhammad Ali was 39 years old when he officially retired from boxing after a legendary career. His retirement marked the end of an era in boxing and left a lasting impact on the sport.
Muhammad Ali was 39 years old when he retired from boxing in 1981. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
Muhammad Ali was 42 years old when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This diagnosis led him to become an advocate for Parkinson's research and awareness, using his platform to help others.
Muhammad Ali was 42 years old when he diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1984. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Passed away
Muhammad Ali was 74 years old when he passed away on June 3, 2016. His death marked the loss of a cultural icon who had a profound impact on sports and social justice worldwide.
Muhammad Ali was 74 years old when he passed away in 2016. Are you older than Muhammad was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1942 | 0 | |
| 1943 | 1 | |
| 1944 | 2 | |
| 1945 | 3 | |
| 1946 | 4 | |
| 1947 | 5 | |
| 1948 | 6 | |
| 1949 | 7 | |
| 1950 | 8 | |
| 1951 | 9 | |
| 1952 | 10 | |
| 1953 | 11 | |
| 1954 | 12 | |
| 1955 | 13 | |
| 1956 | 14 | |
| 1957 | 15 | |
| 1958 | 16 | |
| 1959 | 17 | |
| 1960 | 18 | won a gold medal at the Rome Olympics |
| 1961 | 19 | |
| 1962 | 20 | |
| 1963 | 21 | |
| 1964 | 22 | became the world heavyweight champion |
| 1965 | 23 | |
| 1966 | 24 | |
| 1967 | 25 | refused military service |
| 1968 | 26 | |
| 1969 | 27 | |
| 1970 | 28 | |
| 1971 | 29 | |
| 1972 | 30 | |
| 1973 | 31 | |
| 1974 | 32 | |
| 1975 | 33 | |
| 1976 | 34 | |
| 1977 | 35 | |
| 1978 | 36 | regained the heavyweight title |
| 1979 | 37 | |
| 1980 | 38 | |
| 1981 | 39 | retired from boxing |
| 1982 | 40 | |
| 1983 | 41 | |
| 1984 | 42 | diagnosed with Parkinson's disease |
| 1985 | 43 | |
| 1986 | 44 | |
| 1987 | 45 | |
| 1988 | 46 | |
| 1989 | 47 | |
| 1990 | 48 | |
| 1991 | 49 | |
| 1992 | 50 | |
| 1993 | 51 | |
| 1994 | 52 | |
| 1995 | 53 | |
| 1996 | 54 | |
| 1997 | 55 | |
| 1998 | 56 | |
| 1999 | 57 | |
| 2000 | 58 | |
| 2001 | 59 | |
| 2002 | 60 | |
| 2003 | 61 | |
| 2004 | 62 | |
| 2005 | 63 | |
| 2006 | 64 | |
| 2007 | 65 | |
| 2008 | 66 | |
| 2009 | 67 | |
| 2010 | 68 | |
| 2011 | 69 | |
| 2012 | 70 | |
| 2013 | 71 | |
| 2014 | 72 | |
| 2015 | 73 | |
| 2016 | 74 | passed away |
