One of the special attractions of the 2025 Olympia Weekend is the induction ceremony of the International Sports Hall of Fame. The ISHOF will introduce six legends from multiple sports and disciplines, including Figure Olympia champion Cydney Gillon, soccer great Fred Biletnikoff, grandmaster Bill Wallace, noted agent Leigh Steinberg, Olympic gold medalist shot put Ryan Crouser and basketball icon Nancy Lieberman.
Liebermann, better known to many basketball fans as ‘Lady Magic’, is to many generations of fans what current superstar Caitlyn Clark is to those who watch the WNBA today. The two-time national women’s champion from Old Dominion University was also part of the U.S. team that took gold at the 1975 Pan American Games. She added another gold medal to her trophy case as part of the 1979 world championship team.
Today’s players benefit from the foundation that Lieberman helped build over decades, including playing in men’s leagues, the early days of the WNBA itself and even as an award-winning coach, including as a two-time BIG3 Coach of the Year. Athletes from this era are fortunate to have Lieberman as a mentor, and she loves serving in that role.
“It’s in my DNA, that makes me happy,” she said proudly. “I like being able to inspire people.”
Accompaniment of an icon
Providing inspiration and guidance comes naturally to the Brooklyn, NY native, who has been wowing fans since the 1970s. She also had an incredible mentor and idol of her own thanks to the late and great Muhammad Ali. Since Lieberman first met the three-time world heavyweight champion in New York City, he wanted to help her find her path to success, and they remained connected for the rest of his life.
“He taught me to be purposeful in everything I did,” she acknowledged. “That’s why I played in the WNBA at 39 and 50.”
Lieberman continued to sit under Ali’s teaching tree as her own legend grew. She applied his teachings over the years, also paying attention to her fitness.
“That’s what he taught me. I still eat clean and train hard. That’s just who I am.”
Just as Ali did throughout his career and life, Lieberman pursues new goals and challenges with confidence that she will succeed. That commitment to excellence was on full display by her doctors as she rehabilitated from a knee replacement. Thanks in part to the fact that she had completed a ‘prehab’ before the operation, she was back in the gym after ten days, which surprised her doctors and physiotherapists.
“I want to train with modern-day athletes like Dak (Prescott) and Zeke (Elliott) with the Cowboys,” Lieberman explains. The energy and passion they put into their training pushed her to continue and go beyond the initial limitations. She even started doing box jumps and incorporated them into her training.
“I started with five, ten, and eventually I got to 33 inches,” she recalls. “When I showed it to the doctor, he asked ‘what should I tell the other patients?’ I told them to tell them to work harder.”
That self-competition and drive are the keys to her success, and the results speak for themselves. Another proof that she was up for a challenge was when she was prominently featured in ESPN Magazine’s Body Issue. Her physique attracted a lot of attention and
inspired many fans who flipped through the pages of the issue. Not bad if you were 61 years old at the time.
“I needed time to make sure everything was in the right location,” she said, laughing. “I trained hard that year, lifting and running.”
Lieberman has never been a stranger to the weight room and even trained with bodybuilding legend Lynn Conkwright. The fire that fueled these legends is similar to Lieberman’s, and she’s using hers to continue training for another potential target.
Lieberman stated, “I would love the opportunity to do the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated. I applaud Martha Stewart for that. If she can do it, so can I. All I need is an opportunity.”
Paying it forward and getting it back
Another bond Ali and Lieberman shared was through philanthropy. As great a boxer as Ali was, his contribution to society set him apart from others. Lieberman’s own efforts through Nancy Lieberman Charities, which emphasizes youth education and motivation, have and continue to serve many.
Lieberman said, “I just wanted to do things the right way for the right reasons because that’s what he taught me. I see myself as a community person.”
Paying it forward, Lieberman’s efforts have come full circle as she was informed that she will receive the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award. To be honored for one of the qualities she mastered directly under the guidance of the prize’s namesake is not lost on her.
“He is still my mentor for life.”
A special kind of Hall of Fame
Before receiving the Humanitarian Award, Lieberman will travel to Las Vegas, NV to join the other 2025 inductees at the International Sports Hall of Fame ceremony. Lieberman is no stranger to the Halls of Fame, but she acknowledged that this one is different because it covers many sports and community service is both considered and recognized.
Aside from her own moment, witnessing the other nominees receive their medals and hearing their speeches will provide more inspiration and positivity that will continue to spread long after everyone has left the room.
“I never take these for granted,” Lieberman said. “This is special to me, not only because of the way it honors life and career, but also health and well-being.”
Whether it’s her greatness on the field, the inspiring words she shares, or other good deeds that benefit others, Lieberman is committed to spreading a message as far and wide as possible.
“There are people who think they can’t do something, and I want them to know that they can.”
The 2025 International Sports Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 11 from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM PST at the Conrad Hotel at Resorts World in Las Vegas, NV and is open to the public.
For more information about the ISHOF, please visit their website.
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