In the vast history of the Olympics, many fencers have displayed their prowess on the piste, battling opponents with finesse and skill. Among them, Ibtihaj Muhammad stands out not just for her impressive achievements but also for her groundbreaking role in the world of sports. She was more than just an Olympic fencer; she was a symbol of breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. While Fortune Fencing primarily focuses on epee, the inspirational journey of Ibtihaj Muhammad, a saber fencer, transcends specific disciplines and offers invaluable lessons for every aspiring fencer in our community.

Early Life in New Jersey

Born on December 4, 1985, in Maplewood, New Jersey, Ibtihaj was the middle of five siblings in the Muhammad family. Her African-American family converted to Islam before she was born. As a Muslim girl growing up in America, Ibtihaj faced various challenges. Sports was a means to stay active and engaged, but she often had to modify uniforms to adhere to her religious beliefs.

It was during a drive with her mother that she first encountered fencing. Noticing high school athletes practicing the sport with full-length attire, her mother remarked that fencing might be an excellent opportunity for Ibtihaj. The uniform, covering from head to toe, aligned perfectly with her hijabi needs. Thus began her journey.

Journey to Professional Fencing

After her initial introduction to fencing, Ibtihaj’s passion for the sport grew rapidly. She honed her skills at the Peter Westbrook Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to introducing fencing to young people in the New York metropolitan area. Under the tutelage of coaches like Dwight Smith and Bakhyt Abdikulov, she began to make her mark in the world of fencing.

She continued her passion for the sport at Duke University, where she was a three-time All-American and graduated with dual bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and African & African-American Studies. (image above from https://goduke.com/news/2012/5/18/205428751.aspx)

Olympic Dreams

Ibtihaj’s dreams weren’t confined to domestic championships. She aspired for the Olympics. And in 2016, her dreams turned into reality when she qualified for the U.S. Olympic team. But her qualification was truly special because she became the first American Muslim woman to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab.

During the Rio 2016 Olympics, Ibtihaj didn’t just compete; she shone. She helped the U.S. secure a bronze medal in the women’s team saber, making her the first female Muslim-American athlete to earn a medal at the Olympics.

Beyond Fencing

Ibtihaj’s influence goes beyond the piste. She has become a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports. Her memoir, “Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream,” is a testament to her journey and the challenges she faced as a hijabi woman in a predominantly non-Muslim country.

In 2017, recognizing her influence and groundbreaking journey, Mattel released the first hijab-wearing Barbie modeled after Ibtihaj.

Ibtihaj Muhammad’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals worldwide. She exemplifies that with passion, determination, and the right support, any barrier can be overcome. Her legacy is in the medals she won and the minds she inspired.

Follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ibtihajmuhammad/?hl=en