biography

Born: Maplewood, NJ

Resides: Los Angeles, CA

Studies: Columbia High School, Duke University

Team: United States Olympic Team— Fencing

Ibtihaj Muhammad is an entrepreneur, author, activist, and Olympic medalist in fencing. A five-time Senior World medalist and World Champion, in 2016 she became the first American woman to compete in the Olympics in hijab, the first Muslim-American woman to win an Olympic medal, and the first Black woman to win an Olympic medal in the sabre event.

Ibtihaj's business ventures align with her deep passion to create visibility and equity for women and girls, including those who wear hijab—a group often underrepresented. In 2014 Ibtihaj launched her own clothing company, Louella, aiming to bring modest, fashionable and affordable clothing to the United States market. In 2017, Mattel honored Ibtihaj as a Barbie “Shero,” a woman who has broken boundaries to inspire the next generation of girls, modeling the first hijabi Barbie in her likeness. Ibtihaj released her debut memoir in 2018 titled PROUD: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream, followed by a series of children’s books— instant New York Times’ Best-seller The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab & Family, The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship, and The Boldest White: A Story of Hijab & Community (releasing in September 2024).

Ibtihaj is a sports ambassador with the U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls through Sport Initiative and was nominated by President Obama as a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Health & Nutrition. She works closely with organizations like Athletes for Impact, Qatar Foundation, and the Special Olympics. Named to Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential list, she is an important figure in a larger global discussion on equality and the importance of sport. Her voice continues to unite both the sports and non-sports world.