Yes, one story of an athlete who used affirmations in a positive way is that of Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer. Muhammad Ali was known for his quick wit and brash confidence, but his success in the ring was also due in part to his use of positive affirmations.
Before fights, Ali would often repeat positive affirmations to himself, such as “I am the greatest,” “I am the king of the world,” and “I am invincible.” He believed that by visualizing himself as a winner and repeating positive statements to himself, he could build his confidence and mental toughness, and prepare himself for victory.
This mindset was put to the test in one of Ali’s most famous fights, the “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman in 1974. Foreman was considered the heavy favorite going into the fight, and Ali knew he would have to be at the top of his game to win. He spent months training and visualizing himself as the champion, repeating affirmations to himself every day.
When the fight finally came, Ali employed a unique strategy of allowing Foreman to tire himself out before striking back. In the eighth round, Ali knocked Foreman out with a combination of punches, winning the fight and becoming the heavyweight champion once again.
After the fight, Ali famously declared, “I said I was the greatest, and now I’ve proved it.” His use of affirmations and positive self-talk had helped him to overcome his doubts and fears, and achieve greatness in one of the most challenging sports in the world. His legacy as a boxer and as a champion of positive thinking continues to inspire people around the world today.