Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad to Make history for Americans

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ibtihaj Muhammad stood beaming on the podium in Budapest in 2013. She was flashing a bright smile, a world championship bronze medal and the red, white and blue hijab that perfectly encapsulated who she is as an athlete and a person.

Muhammad, a New Jersey-born fencer, is a proud Muslim and an equally proud American. And this summer at the Rio Olympics, Muhammed will seek to stand up for her community by fighting for a country that hasn't always fought for those who share her faith.

Muhammad, the middle daughter of a retired detective and special education teacher, will become the first U.S. athlete to compete in the Olympics while wearing a hijab, the head scarf required of Muslim women.

(Story by: Luke Meredith, Sports Writer, The Associated Press)