Fencer set to become first U.S. athlete to compete at Olympics in a hijab

Ibtihaj Muhammad, center, is shown in 2011 along with Mariel Zagunis, left, and Dagmara Wozniak. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Ibtihaj Muhammad didn't get into fencing by accident. When she was 13, her mother suggested that she give the sport a try because it allowed her to remain fully clothed, a requirement for her Islamic faith.

Now Muhammad's devotion to fencing has her set to make history. The 30-year-old New Jersey native has earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, and when she competes at the Games in Rio de Janeiro this summer, Muhammad will become the first American athlete to do so while wearing a hijab, the headscarf worn by many Muslim women.

A saber fencer (the sport provides the option of three weapons: saber, épée and foil), Muhammad has locked up a spot on the team, along with two-time gold medalist Mariel Zagunis, by accruing the requisite amount of points in competitions. From a report by TeamUSA.org ^[1]:

Zagunis and Muhammad will compete in both the individual and team event, along with one other U.S. women's saber fencer, and a replacement athlete for the team event only.

In addition to Muhammad's bronzes from the 2015-16 season, she claimed the silver medal at a world cup stop in 2013, and has seven team world cup medals. Muhammad has also been part of the U.S. teams that have medaled at the past five world championships, including winning gold in 2014.

"After I graduated from college [at Duke], I saw there was a lack of minorities in the sport," Muhammad told TeamUSA.org. "I recognized that I had a skill set, so I started to pursue fencing full time. I felt that it was something the squad needed. There were barriers that needed to be broken in women's saber."

In her bio at USFencing.org ^[2], Muhammad said, "When most people picture an Olympic fencer, they probably do not imagine a person like me. Fortunately, I am not most people. I have always believed that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, I could one day walk with my U.S. teammates into Olympic history."

She added, "I want to compete in the Olympics for the United States to prove that nothing should hinder anyone from reaching their goals — not race, religion or gender. I want to set an example that anything is possible with perseverance."

Muhammad was a three-time all-American at Duke who missed a chance at the 2012 Olympics because of a hand injury. She is also the creator of Louella, an online store dedicated to bringing "a new fresh and vibrant look to the modest fashion industry."