Muhammad’s presence on the U.S. Olympic team gave her a megaphone, and she has used it wisely to promote sports and tolerance.
“A lot of people don’t believe that Muslim women have voices, or that we participate in sports,” Muhammad said. “I want to challenge the misconceptions not only outside the Muslim community, but also within the Muslim community. … I want to show girls it is important to be involved in sports and to lead an active lifestyle.”
Cheering on Muhammad in the stands were about 10 family members, including her parents and most of her siblings. Said her father, Eugene Muhammad, as the competition progressed: “She’s already gold to me. This is a grand achievement. … Believe me, the ovation inside my heart – it lights me up like a bulb.”
Her older brother, Qareeb Muhammad, led “USA! USA!” cheers from the front row of the stands during both of his sister’s matches. “She is African-American, Muslim and female, and when people have told her she can’t, all her life she has told them she can,” she said. “I’m so proud of my sister. She’s my hero.”
…“I just want people to know that Muslims are conservatives and liberals,” Muhammad said. “There are women who cover (their hair) and women who don’t. There are African-American Muslims, white Muslims, Arab Muslims – there are so many different types.”
One of those Muslims competed for the U.S. in the Olympics Monday. And although she lost well before the medal round, Muhammad did her country proud.
What a lovely story.
(I know, I know.. Corruption.. doping….Money…Bad things happening in the country’s hosting the games… That said!) I love the Olympics.
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