U.S. Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad On Race, Religion And The Olympic Games

U.S. Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad On Race, Religion And The Olympic Games As the daughter of a schoolteacher and drug detective, New Jersey native, Ibtihaj Muhammad, never imagined that being an Olympian would be in her future. At 13-years-old, Muhammad started fencing, a sport that historically has lacked diversity and inclusion. Being a Muslim youth and African American, she struggled to feel accepted. Muhammad often received lingering stares from her competitors? parents who often questioned if her hijab was a safety concern for their kids. She recalls how those hurtful moments shaped her into the athlete that she is today.