Last night, I had the good fortune to take my children to hear Ibtihaj Muhammad speak at the Maplewood Ideas Festival. Ibtihaj is a hometown hero: She graduated from our local high school, where she picked up fencing because it was the only sport that would allow her to compete without altering the way she dresses as a Muslim. This summer, she will be become the first American woman to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab.
Ibtihaj was so overwhelmed by the huge turnout that she asked to take a few minutes backstage before she started to speak. In a world that seems chock-full of self-aggrandizers (thanks, in part, to social media), it was refreshing to see that humility from someone who deserves all the attention she’s getting. And then some.
Here are a few of the inspiring things she shared with the crowd:
On Diversity
“Growing up in Maplewood was pivotal to my success as an athlete. I owe so much to the diversity I was exposed to as a kid.”
“I wanted to make the Olympic team for me and all the others who struggle because they aren’t like everyone else.”
“My friends said, ‘We won’t hang out with you if you fence.’ When you’re different, you work so hard to impress your friends. I can tell you now, it’s not worth it.”
On Faith
“My faith comes first. Fencing accommodated my faith. It’s not an obstacle to the sport.”
“I’m challenging misconceptions about whether Muslim women belong in sport. We’re your neighbors. We live in Maplewood. And we’re going to the Olympics.”
“My hijab doesn’t change depending on where I am.” (Ibtihaj was recently asked to speak at SXSW. When she checked in, they told her she had to remove her “hat” for the identification photo. Ibtihaj took it up with a supervisor who said, “Well, you are in Texas.”)
I can’t wait to follow Ibithaj on her journey to win the gold. I’m grateful she took the time to inspire our community last night.