Ibtihaj Muhammad Makes History As the First U.S. Olympic Athlete to Compete In a Hijab
In this year's Olympic Games, Ibtihaj Muhammad will make history, not only for the neck party of gold medals she'll probably win in fencing, but as the very first U.S. woman to wear a hijab while competing at the Olympics.
Interestingly enough, Muhammad began fencing because it accommodated the modesty practiced in her religion. "Growing up a Muslim and a girl, I always had to change my uniform [for athletics]… My parents were in search of a sport for me where the athletes wore long pants and long jackets – that's how we stumbled upon fencing," she told People.
Muhammad told People that she's excited to be able to represent Muslim women at the games. She said: "I want people to see Muslims in a positive light. I want people to see Muslim women in a way that they're not used to seeing us. If I can change the thought process of just one little girl, for me, I feel accomplished. On a larger scale if I can reach a lot of people, that's a beautiful thing."
The Summer Olympics take place in Rio de Janeiro and the fencing competition is Saturday, August 6. Tune in to see her kick some ass!
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