Overview

From young outsider to national hero, a timeless, uniquely American tale of hard work, determination, and resilience. Growing up in New Jersey as the only African American Muslim in hijab in town, at school, and on the playing fields, Ibtihaj Muhammad always had to find her own way. When she discovered fencing, a sport traditionally reserved for the wealthy and white, once again she had to defy expectations and make a place for herself in a sport she grew to love. Even though Ibtihaj would start fencing later than most, at 13 years old her talent was undeniable. From winning state championships with her high school team to three-time All-America selections at Duke University, Ibtihaj was poised for success, but the fencing community wasn't ready to welcome her with open arms. Ibtihaj Muhammad's path to Olympic greatness has been marked with opposition and near-debilitating challenges because of her race, religion, and gender. As the only woman of color and the only religious minority on the U.S. women's saber team, again Ibtihaj had to push past stereotypes, misconceptions, and negativity to find her own path to success and Olympic glory. Proud is the inspiring story of how Ibtihaj rose above it all with grace and compassion. She provides an unflinching and honest portrayal of how she managed to stay true to herself and still play by the rules. A coming-of-age story, a hero's journey, and a moving memoir from one of the nation's most influential athletes.

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9780316480956

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Reviews

It's clear that Muhammad has become an icon beyond the realm of sports.... Ibtihaj Muhammad's journey is uniquely her own, and yet, it is one that many people will find relatable, comforting, and inspiring. --Bustle A powerful sentiment that sums up not only her own struggles, but those of so many minorities in America. --The Daily Beast Ibtihaj Muhammad is as sharp with her words as she is with a sabre. --The National (United Arab Emirates) A must-read. --PopSugar A tumultuous, unforgettable tale of perseverance and faith. --The Chicago Tribune What a clear-eyed and amazing memoir.... I plowed through it.... Ibtihaj's story is at once so deeply personal and amazingly universal. --Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author of Brown Girl Dreaming and Another Brooklyn Fencing made her who she is today, but fencing isn't her only narrative. Her journey is one of authenticity at all costs and being unapologetically herself. --ESPNw [Ibtihaj's] stories of fighting racism and xenophobia are inspiring... but Muhammad's battles with her own demons are equally brave and 100 percent relatable. --Glamour.com Her story is inspiring and illuminating. --The Christian Science Monitor

It's clear that Muhammad has become an icon beyond the realm of sports.... Ibtihaj Muhammad's journey is uniquely her own, and yet, it is one that many people will find relatable, comforting, and inspiring. --Bustle A powerful sentiment that sums up not only her own struggles, but those of so many minorities in America. --The Daily Beast Fencing made her who she is today, but fencing isn't her only narrative. Her journey is one of authenticity at all costs and being unapologetically herself. --ESPNw Ibtihaj Muhammad is as sharp with her words as she is with a sabre. --The National (United Arab Emirates) [Ibtihaj's] stories of fighting racism and xenophobia are inspiring... but Muhammad's battles with her own demons are equally brave and 100 percent relatable. --Glamour.com A must-read. --PopSugar A tumultuous, unforgettable tale of perseverance and faith. --The Chicago Tribune Her story is inspiring and illuminating. --The Christian Science Monitor What a clear-eyed and amazing memoir.... I plowed through it.... Ibtihaj's story is at once so deeply personal and amazingly universal. --Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author of Brown Girl Dreaming and Another Brooklyn

Author Information

IBTIHAJ MUHAMMAD is a fencer and the first Muslim American woman in hijab to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games. She is also the first female Muslim American to medal at the Olympic Games, winning bronze in the women's saber team event. Named one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People In the World, she serves as a sports ambassador for the U.S. State Department, cofounded Athletes for Impact and the clothing company Louella, and inspired the first hijabi Barbie in her likeness. LORI L. THARPS is the author of Same Family, Different Colors, among other books. Her writing has also appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Glamour, and Essence.

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