World Stage: An Olympic Introduction to the Greatest of All Time
Photograph of Cassius Clay and his mother, Odessa Clay. Cassius is seated next to his mother, wearing his Olympic jacket and gold medal. It was taken shortly after his return from Rome, Italy and featured in local newspaper, the Louisville Defender.
Photo Credit: Thomas Washington (1927-1989), Louisville Defender Head Photographer (c. 1949-1969). Photograph was donated to the Muhammad Ali Center by the Washington family in 2016.
Cassius and Odessa Photograph
How Cassius Took Rome
By Cassius Clay, Jr.
To make America the greatest is my goal,
So I beat the Russian, and I beat the Pole,
And for the USA won the Medal of Gold.
Italians said, "You're greater than the Cassius of Old."
We like your name, we like your game,
So make Rome your home if you will.
I said I appreciate kind hospitality,
But the USA is my country still,
'Cause they waiting to welcome me in Louisville.
