The Players' Tribune

The Face of Change

LYNN JOHNSON FOR THE PLAYERS' TRIBUNE
Ibtihaj Muhammad

Ibtihaj Muhammad

Fencing

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

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.

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