Ibtihaj Muhammad is breaking down barriers and making strides in fencing as a Muslim-American woman. The 30-year-old New Jersey born fencer has stated fencing is an outlet allowing her to express her athletic abilities and stay true to her Muslim faith. The Fencers Club will host an event honoring its Rio-bound athletes, including Muhammad.
Muhammad was the first U.S. woman to win an individual fencing Grand Prix. She will also be the first Muslim-American woman to compete at the Olympics in hijab. Earlier this year she was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential individuals.
The 2016 Rio Olympic Games will be held this summer starting August 5 and ending August 21. Muhammad attended Duke University where she graduated in international relations and African Studies. She is coached by former PWF student and 2000 Sydney Olympian Ahki Spencer-El.
Power moves #Time100 Gala ❤️ A photo posted by Ibtihaj Muhammad (@ibtihajmuhammad) on
For more check out Ibtihaj Muhammad on Instagram here.
