First American Olympian in hijab competes

Monday, August 8, 2016
Ibtihaj Muhammad od the United States, left, celebrates after defeating Olena Kravatska of Ukraine in the women's individual saber fencing event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
AP-AP

Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad made history Monday by becoming the first American to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab.

Muhammad, sporting a plain black Muslim head scarf under a red, white and blue mask, was a winner in her opening bout in the women's sabre tournament, beating Olena Kravatska of Ukraine 15-13.

Ibtihaj Muhammad of the United States adjusts her hijab prior to competing with Olena Kravatska of Ukraine in the women's individual saber fencing event at the 2016 Summer Olympics
AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

Muhammad, ranked eighth in the world in her weapon, will next face ninth-ranked Cecilia Berder of France.

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