Ibtihaj Muhammad

Bio:
Ibtihaj Muhammad (born December 4, 1985 in New York, New York) is an American sabre fencer. She is currently a member of the U.S. fencing team and will be going to the 2016 Summer Olympics. She began fencing at 13 years old because her parents were in search of a sport for her to play where she would be fully covered, because she is a Muslim. In 2002, Ibtihaj joined the Peter Westbrook Foundation, which helps those in underdeveloped communities grow within the sport. She was coached by 2000 Sydney Olympian Akhi Spencer-El. She attended Duke University and was a 3-time All-American and 2005 Junior Olympic Champion. On the US National Fencing Team since 2010, Ibtihaj is currently the No. 2 fencer in the country and No. 8 in the world. She will be competing at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

Best Known For:
Ibtihaj is best known as the first Muslim woman who wears a hijab to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team.

Personal Life:
Ibtihaj started her own clothing company, Louella, in 2014, which features modest fashion to the U.S. market. She’s a sports ambassador, serving on the U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls Through Sport Initiative. Ibtihaj has also traveled around the world to speak about the importance of sports and education.