Everyone has been talking about how American Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad is making history. She is the first American Olympian to wear a hijab while competing in the games. And while we know there's been criticism about news stations mainly focusing on her attire instead of her talents, we think we can shine light on both, celebrating her hard work and her bravery in starting a new path for American, hijab-wearing athletes.
Ibtihaj grew up in New Jersey, where she was opened up to the world of fencing at age 13. While growing up, she found it stressful to participate in other sports since she would fully cover her head, arms, and legs when typical team uniforms did not. Fencing freed her from this self-consciousness.
“I wanted a sport where I could be fully covered and I didn’t have to look different,” she told the Huffington Post.
Ibtihaj also talks about being proud of her various identities. I think that’s what really draws us to her story. We are so aware of the enormous barriers she overcomes on a daily basis by identifying as a black Muslim woman. Our society does not turn in her favor.
Although she did not continue through the round of 16, she and the fencing team will still return with a well-deserved bronze medal. But even beyond the medals, Ibtihaj’s entire Olympic journey has been a victory in which we can all revel. During the opening ceremonies, many people — us included — felt excited and proud to see so many countries allowing women and other less represented groups participating. The USA team is finally moving towards a team that more accurately represents our incredibly diverse population. We still have a ways to go, but Ibtihaj’s presence in the Olympics was palpable milestone for the United States.
What is just as encouraging is the way many are talking about Ibtihaj and cheering her on. Of course, not everyone may be her #1 fan, but many of us rooted for her as our Olympian. Her journey is one of dreams and struggles with plenty of bumps and roadblocks along the way. I hope the Ibtihaj felt supported, loved, and honored by us. I hope that we, the community of women, can raise her up as one of our heroes. As one of those women we talk about and put in our history books. Her discipline and skill make her a great Olympian, but her courage and drive make her a role model for us and for those after us.
That is what you can expect in our blog: stories that will uplift you, encourage you, push you along, make you feel hope. All types of women doing all types of amazing things. We all share in this community together, so let us propel each other forward. Or, at the very least, hold each other up in love.
More reading!
More amazing Olympic women
Some stats about women in the Olympics
Sexism in Olympic coverage and reporting
“I wanted a sport where I could be fully covered and I didn’t have to look different,” she told the Huffington Post.
Ibtihaj also talks about being proud of her various identities. I think that’s what really draws us to her story. We are so aware of the enormous barriers she overcomes on a daily basis by identifying as a black Muslim woman. Our society does not turn in her favor.
Although she did not continue through the round of 16, she and the fencing team will still return with a well-deserved bronze medal. But even beyond the medals, Ibtihaj’s entire Olympic journey has been a victory in which we can all revel. During the opening ceremonies, many people — us included — felt excited and proud to see so many countries allowing women and other less represented groups participating. The USA team is finally moving towards a team that more accurately represents our incredibly diverse population. We still have a ways to go, but Ibtihaj’s presence in the Olympics was palpable milestone for the United States.
What is just as encouraging is the way many are talking about Ibtihaj and cheering her on. Of course, not everyone may be her #1 fan, but many of us rooted for her as our Olympian. Her journey is one of dreams and struggles with plenty of bumps and roadblocks along the way. I hope the Ibtihaj felt supported, loved, and honored by us. I hope that we, the community of women, can raise her up as one of our heroes. As one of those women we talk about and put in our history books. Her discipline and skill make her a great Olympian, but her courage and drive make her a role model for us and for those after us.
That is what you can expect in our blog: stories that will uplift you, encourage you, push you along, make you feel hope. All types of women doing all types of amazing things. We all share in this community together, so let us propel each other forward. Or, at the very least, hold each other up in love.
More reading!
More amazing Olympic women
Some stats about women in the Olympics
Sexism in Olympic coverage and reporting