Ibtihaj Muhammad
Ibtihaj Muhammad is a pioneering athlete and advocate whose achievements highlight empowerment, resilience, and breaking barriers. Born in 1985 in Maplewood, New Jersey, Muhammad faced significant challenges in her fencing career due to limited representation of Muslim women in sports. Despite these hurdles, she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first American Muslim woman to compete in the Olympics while wearing a hijab.
Her achievements were further solidified at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she became the first Muslim-American woman to earn an Olympic medal and the first Black woman to medal in a sabre event. Her bronze medal with the U.S. women's saber team not only marked a personal victory but also highlighted the potential for overcoming barriers and challenging stereotypes in women sports.
In addition to her athletic success, Muhammad is a prominent advocate for social justice and inclusivity. In 2014, she co-founded Louella, a clothing company dedicated to providing modest, fashionable apparel to the U.S. market. As a sports ambassador for the U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls Through Sport Initiative, she has traveled worldwide to emphasize the significance of sports and education in empowering women and girls. In 2017, Mattel introduced a Barbie doll modeled after her for their International Women's Day campaign. This hijabi Barbie, also the first doll fencer, reflects her commitment to representation and diversity, allowing children to see themselves in various roles and cultures. She has also shared her experiences through writing. Her memoir, *Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream* (2018), and various children’s books explore her life growing up in New Jersey and her Olympic journey, offering insights into her personal and professional experiences.
Through her athletic achievements, advocacy, and literary contributions, Ibtihaj Muhammad continues to inspire and empower individuals, serving as a powerful role model for inclusivity and perseverance in sports.
