Ibtihaj Muhammad, USA
Fencing
A prominent advocate for Muslim women in sport has emerged during a turbulent time for American political discourse. The 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics represented an event of first for Muhammad. She became the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing in Brazil, plus her Team Sabre bronze made her the United States’ first female Muslim-American athlete to earn a medal at the Games. These successes gained extra resonance as they occurred during a US Presidential campaign during which, then candidate, Donald Trump advocated for a Muslim travel ban. Beyond the Games, the 33-year-old’s message has continued to resonate. As a sports ambassador, she serving on the U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls Through Sport Initiative. A pair of books have been penned by her and Mattel introduced a Barbie in 2017 in a hijab that was designed after Muhammad.
– Muhammad and her siblings launched their own clothing company, Louella, in 2014 which aims to bring modest fashionable clothing to the US market.
– Both her parents were born in the United States and later converted to Islam.
– Muhammad has more than 350,000 combined followers on Twitter and Instagram, platforms she uses to promote her message of tolerance and kindness.
Did you know…
Muhammad was chosen as one of the faces to launch the Nike Pro Hijab when it went on sale in the USA. She also helped test the product before it went on sale.
“I’ve had to fight for every win, every place at the table, every ounce of respect on my path to world-class athlete. And I will continue to fight because the prize this time — an America that truly respects all of its citizens — is worth more than any medal. Inshallah: so, may it be.” – Ibtihaj Muhammad (Source: ‘Proud’)
Twitter: @IbtihajMuhammad
Instagram: ibtihajmuhammad
