In this May 15, 2004 file photo, former South African President Nelson Mandela lifts the World Cup trophy in Zurich, Switzerland. - AP
In this May 15, 2004 file photo, former South African President Nelson Mandela lifts the World Cup trophy in Zurich, Switzerland. - AP
An image of former South African president Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday, is shown on a screen during a minutes applause tribute before the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium today. - AP
The Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat players pay the tribute to the Nelson Mandela before their NBA basketball game in Chicago on Thursday. - AP
England cricket players from right, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann, James Anderson and Joe Root take a moment of silence for Nelson Mandela before the start of the second Ashes cricket test match against Australia in Adelaide on Friday. - AP
In this May 21, 2003 file photo, former South African President Nelson Mandela (left) poses with England's soccer captain, David Beckham, in Johannesburg. - AP
Usain bolt. - AP
Nelson Mandela had the ability to inspire all who heard his story, even inspirational figures and leading global stars.
The anti-apartheid leader, former South African president and Nobel Peace Prize winner died on Thursday at the age of 95, prompting a vast outpouring of tributes from the world's best-known athletes and top sporting bodies.
In paying tribute to Mandela Jamaica's Usain Bolt described him as "One of the greatest human beings ever ... . The worlds greatest fighter", Bolt said.
Yesterday the fastest man in the world, in a seemingly reflective moment, compared his years alive to the amount of years Mandela spent in prison.
He tweeted:
Muhammad Ali, himself a role model for so many, said Mandela inspired others to "reach for what appeared to be impossible."
"What I will remember most about Mr. Mandela is that he was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge," Ali said in a statement through his foundation.
Pele wrote, "He was my hero, my friend."
Tiger Woods called his meeting with Mandela in 1998 "inspiring times."
"It's sad for everyone who got a chance to not only meet him, but I've been influenced by him," Woods said.
The NBA's LeBron James said: "In his 95 years, he was able to do unbelievable things not only for South Africa but for the whole world."