Champions Stripped of Titles: Thorpe, Wiesland, Ali

The article discusses the cases of three champions who were stripped of their titles for reasons not related to doping. Jim Thorpe, the first Native American Olympic champion, lost his medals in 1913 after it was revealed he had played professional baseball, violating amateur rules.

The International Olympic Committee reinstated him as a joint winner in 1982. Hugo Wiesland, a Swedish equestrian, was disqualified in 1949 after it was discovered he wore a non-commissioned officer's cap during competition, leading to a re-evaluation of his rank post-Games.

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, was stripped of his boxing titles in 1967 for refusing military service during the Vietnam War on religious grounds. He later reclaimed his title in 1974 against George Foreman.

These cases highlight the complexities of title stripping in sports history.