“As a Muslim youth, though I played a variety of sports growing up in New Jersey, my parents were in search of a sport for me to play where I could be fully covered and not have to modify the uniform. Fencing provided a unique opportunity where I could fulfill my desire to participate in sport, wear the same uniform as my teammates, and adhere to the tenets of my faith to cover my body.” DesireOpportunitySportsParentGrowing UpYouthUniqueVarietyTeammateFencing Author:Ibtihaj Muhammad
“People are always shocked to hear I'm an athlete by profession and even more shocked when they hear I'm a fencer from the United States. I challenge the stereotype that Muslim women are oppressed and that a Muslim can be American by birth. It's amazing how many assumptions people make, but I embrace the opportunity to use this Olympic platform to educate.” PeopleOpportunityChallengesBirthEmbraceAthleteProfessionAssumptionEducateOppressedStereotype Author:Ibtihaj Muhammad
