Ibtihaj Muhammad, 2019
American Olympian sabre fencer, and a member
of the United States fencing team.
48 x 60 inches
Oil on canvas
“People are always shocked to hear I’m an athlete by profession and even more shocked when they hear I’m a fencer from the United States. I challenge the stereotype that Muslim women are oppressed and that a Muslim can be American by birth. It’s amazing how many assumptions people make, but I embrace the opportunity to use this Olympic platform to educate.”
—Ibtihaj Muhammad
Muhammad is a literal game changer. In 2016 she became the first Muslim woman to represent the United States at the Olympics wearing a hijab. She was part of the women’s saber team that won a bronze medal in Rio de Janeiro. Having faced death threats from outside and ignorant and manipulative behavior within her sport she still excelled. Not only was she an Olympic medal winner but she believes the results of her achievement have changed the narrative of self perception of the Muslim community. Speaking to the New York Times she states, “And if you take that a step further and look at the way Muslim women see themselves, these young girls who haven’t had anyone at this level of sport do that on the world stage — compete at the highest level of sport. To do that is changing the way Muslim women think about themselves and perceive themselves.”