Ibtihaj Muhammad

From the very first moment Ibtihaj Muhammad put on a fencing uniform, she felt like a super hero. Since the fencing mask covered her hijab, she could stand out for her skill and ability rather than her appearance. Off the fencing strip, Ibtihaj had to deal with the many obstacles that accompany being an African American Muslim woman wearing hijab. Ibtihaj was often judged and singled out for being different, but it forced her to work even harder. Ultimately, her incredible will to win would lead her to defy stereotypes and become one of the greatest fencers in the world.

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