Ibtihaj Muhammad
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| File:Ibtihaj Muhammad podium 2013 Fencing WCH SFS-EQ t215413.jpg | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Born | December 4, 1985 (age 38) Maplewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Duke University |
| Occupation | Sabre |
Ibtihaj Muhammad (born December 4, 1985) is an American sabre fencer and member of the United States fencing team. She is best known for being the first Muslim woman who observes hijab to qualify for the United States Olympic Team.[1]
Early life
Muhammad was born in Maplewood, New Jersey, of African American descent.[2] She was raised in a family with four siblings. As a Muslim youth, Muhammad’s parents were in search of a sport for her to play where she could be fully covered.[3]
Muhammad attended Columbia High School, a public high school in Maplewood, where she joined the fencing team at age 13.[3]
Fencing career
In late 2002, Muhammad joined the prestigious Peter Westbrook Foundation, a program which utilizes the sport of fencing as a vehicle to develop life skills in young people from underserved communities. She was invited to train under the Westbrook Foundation's Elite Athlete Program in New York City. She is coached by former PWF student and 2000 Sydney Olympian Ahki Spencer-El.
Muhammad attended Duke University, where she received an academic scholarship. She was a 3-time All-American and 2005 Junior Olympic Champion.[4] Muhammad graduated from Duke University in 2007 with an International Relations and African Studies double major.[5]
References
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