Muhammad becomes first Muslim American to represent the US Olympic Team wearing a hijab
Ibtihaj Muhammad on Monday made history in Rio as the first Muslim woman to represent the U.S. Olympic Team wearing a hijab.
The eighth-ranked saber fencer made the most of her moment during Day 3 of the Rio Games, defeating 33rd-ranked Olena Kravatska of Ukraine, 15-13, in the round of 32.
In the round of 16, Muhammad took an early lead against ninth-ranked Cecilia Berder of France but fell, 15-12. She will take part in the team competition later in the Games.
In addition to being eighth worldwide, the New Jersey native arrived at the Olympic Games ranked No. 2 in the U.S., yet her greatness goes beyond her athleticism.
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Muhammad, who attended Duke on an academic scholarship, was one of Time's 100 Most influential People in 2016. In 2014, she launched her own clothing company called Louella which makes clothing that is both modest and fashion forward.
She is also a sports ambassador for the U.S. State Department's Empowering Women and Girls Through Sport Initiative and travels the world to teach girls the importance of sports and education.
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She started fencing at 13 to participate in a sport that covered her body, adhering to her faith. And now, in front of millions at 30, she's challenging stereotypes of Muslim and African-American women as a U.S. Olympian.
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