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THE PLAYERS TRIBUNE: The Face of Change

07/20/2016, 9:00am CDT
By Ibtihaj Muhammad

When people think of an American Olympic athlete, they probably don’t picture someone who looks like me. Black. Muslim.

A first.

But once I put my fencing mask on, I’m seen only as an athlete. That is and always has been empowering for me. My skin, my religion, my gender — those don’t define me.

I realize the importance of being the first Muslim woman to compete for Team USA. I am an image of change ... more>

Tag(s): News  Ibtihaj Muhammad