I know that I'm Muslim. I have an Arabic name. And even though I represent Team USA and I have that Olympic hardware, it doesn't change how you look and how people perceive you.
Ibtihaj MuhammadIt's important to me that youth everywhere, no matter their race, religion, or gender, know that anything is possible with perseverance.
Ibtihaj MuhammadFor those people who fail to see the injustices that are occurring, in particular with the Muslim community, I think it's because you've sat in a seat of privilege for a long time, and you kind of choose to be myopic and not think of those people around you.
Ibtihaj MuhammadThere will always be people who challenge the idea that you belong, but it's important to work hard, to focus on yourself, and prove that you belong in this space of high-level athletics.
Ibtihaj MuhammadThe most difficult part is training and competing while observing the holy month of Ramadan, which involves fasting. The most rewarding part of being a Muslim athlete is my faith in God paired with my faith in myself. I approach every match with positivity and the belief that I can beat anyone on any given day. And in the face of defeat, I am able to learn from my mistakes and work on my weaknesses to prepare for next time.
Ibtihaj Muhammad