The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family,” became an instant New York Times bestseller.” data-reactid=”16″>Ibtihaj Muhammad made history four summers ago when she became the first Muslim American to wear a hijab while representing Team USA at the Rio Olympics. Since her 2016 debut, the bronze-winning fencer has gone on to become a Nike athlete, help launch Barbie’s first doll fencer and author three books. Her children’s book, “The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family,” became an instant New York Times bestseller.
The 34-year-old spoke with Yahoo Sports about the state of race relations since her 2016 debut, voter suppression and advice she’d give to Black women hoping to one day succeed in the sport of fencing.
As dark as 2020 seems to have been, I’m hopeful that our light is in November and I’m looking forward to change.
When I think about my own journey with sport, I compete to honor the people who came before me and fought for the ability to play on a national or global stage. Though some weren’t able to experience these rights, I’m nonetheless grateful for their sacrifices. They paved the way for people like me and other athletes out there to continue to push and ensure we have a presence in these sometimes non-traditional spaces.

Ibtihaj Muhammad continues to speak out for Black women and racial equality. (Photo by Alison Buck/Getty Images for Teen Vogue)
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Take Muhammad Ali, for example. I believe he likely experienced nervousness and anxiety ahead of his fights. But, it’s how you manage it. He did such an incredible job of hyping himself up and that’s one of the biggest takeaways I took from his time here with us which was learning to show up for myself.
The shoe I always cop no matter what colorway are the original Jordan 1 Retro. I don’t care if they’re low, mid or high, I have to have them.

(Albert Corona/Yahoo Sports)
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