RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – U.S. fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad came to the Rio Games determined to show the world that Muslim-American women can excel in sports.
Muhammad will return home to New Jersey with proof that she was right.
Muhammad, who became the first U.S. Olympian to wear a hijab during competition earlier this week, won a bronze medal Saturday along with her teammates in the women’s team sabre event.
The U.S. routed Italy 45-30 to clinch third place and the first women’s medal in fencing for the Americans in Rio.
“This is sport. It doesn’t matter what hair color you have, or what religion you are. The point is to go out there and be the best athlete you can be,” said U.S. teammate Dagmara Wozniak. “We’re the best explanation of what American is. A mix of so many different cultures and races, and everything all together.”