Ibtihaj Muhammad

Ibtihaj Muhammad is an American professional fencer, born on December 4, 1985, in Maplewood, New Jersey. She is widely recognized as one of the most notable fencers in the history of the sport, particularly for being the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing for the United States in the Olympics. Muhammad began her professional fencing career in her early twenties, after a successful collegiate career at Duke University.

Muhammad is known for her speed, agility, and strategic thinking in the sport of fencing. She has won several individual and team awards, and has been a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion in the sporting world.

Off the fencing strip, Muhammad is also celebrated for her advocacy work, making significant contributions to the promotion of diversity and inclusion in sports and inspiring millions worldwide.

Duke University

• Collegiate Career: Muhammad was born and raised in New Jersey and joined Duke University's fencing team. She was a three-time All-American and a 2005 Junior Olympic Champion.

Professional Fencing Career

• Early Success: Muhammad began her professional fencing career in 2010. She became a five-time Senior World medalist, including a 2014 World Champion in the team event.

Olympic Career

• Groundbreaking Participation: Muhammad made history in 2016 as the first Muslim American woman to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab. She won a bronze medal in the team sabre event at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, becoming the first female Muslim-American athlete to earn a medal at the Olympics.

United States Fencing Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the United States Fencing Team in 2010.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Bronze medalist in the team sabre event in 2016.
• Muhammad is one of the most successful fencers in USA Fencing history.

• Weapon: Primarily uses the sabre, known for its fast-paced and aggressive style.
• Skills: Known for her quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and adaptability on the fencing strip. Muhammad is celebrated for her ability to anticipate her opponent's moves and respond quickly.

• Family: Muhammad is one of five children. She has been private about her personal relationships.
• Advocacy: Muhammad is a sports ambassador, promoting diversity and inclusion in sports. She has also launched her own clothing line, Louella, which aims to bring modest, fashionable and affordable clothing to the U.S. market.

• Ibtihaj Muhammad is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her role in promoting diversity and inclusion in sports. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the fencing strip, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

International Achievements:

• 2014 World Fencing Championships: Gold medal in team sabre.
• 2016 Olympic Games: Bronze medal in team sabre.

National Achievements:

• 2005 Junior Olympic Champion.
• 2014 National Champion.

Books

• Muhammad, I. (2018) Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream. New York: Hachette Books.

Websites

• Team USA: Information about Ibtihaj Muhammad’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.teamusa.org
• USA Fencing: Details about Muhammad’s career at USA Fencing. Available at: https://www.usafencing.org
• International Fencing Federation: Official site with updates on Muhammad’s performance and records at international competitions. Available at: https://fie.org

Articles

• The Guardian: Ibtihaj Muhammad’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/ibtihaj-muhammad
• ESPN: Various features on Ibtihaj Muhammad, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Fencer (2019): This documentary focuses on Muhammad's journey to the 2016 Olympics, highlighting her determination and resilience.