This Woman Will Be First Member Of US Olympic Team To Wear Hijab
- 8 years ago
Ibtihaj Muhammad, a 30-year-old American fencer, will be the first Muslim woman to represent the nation at the 2016 Olympics while wearing a hijab.
The 2016 Olympics are still weeks away, but one member of Team USA is already assured of making history, reports TODAY.
Ibtihaj Muhammad, a 30-year-old American fencer, will be the first Muslim woman to represent the nation at the games while wearing a hijab.
Muhammad said to Shape magazine, “I wanted to further challenge that notion that Muslim girls and women don't participate in sports or aren't involved in sports at the elite level. I wanted Muslim girls to know they can be a part of Team USA."
While she does hope her competing in the Olympics inspires others to follow, she acknowledges the financial demands can be a great burden.
Muhammad notes there are a number of community and corporate entities willing to help cover the costs involved in the development of promising athletes, according to CNN Money.
The 2016 Olympics are still weeks away, but one member of Team USA is already assured of making history, reports TODAY.
Ibtihaj Muhammad, a 30-year-old American fencer, will be the first Muslim woman to represent the nation at the games while wearing a hijab.
Muhammad said to Shape magazine, “I wanted to further challenge that notion that Muslim girls and women don't participate in sports or aren't involved in sports at the elite level. I wanted Muslim girls to know they can be a part of Team USA."
While she does hope her competing in the Olympics inspires others to follow, she acknowledges the financial demands can be a great burden.
Muhammad notes there are a number of community and corporate entities willing to help cover the costs involved in the development of promising athletes, according to CNN Money.