Ibtihaj Muhammad

About the Author

Ibtihaj Muhammad is a trailblazing American fencer, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in sports and beyond. As the first Muslim American woman to compete for the United States in the Olympics, she won a bronze medal in the team saber event at the 2016 Rio Games, shattering barriers and inspiring a new generation. In her memoir Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream, Muhammad shares her journey from a young girl in New Jersey discovering fencing to becoming a global icon, navigating cultural expectations, faith, and the pursuit of excellence. Beyond the piste, she founded Afya Foundation to promote health and wellness in underserved communities and launched her modest fashion line Louella, blending her passions for empowerment and style. Muhammad's story is one of resilience, faith, and unyielding determination to redefine what it means to be American.