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21st-Century Trailblazer: Sports and Politics With Ibtihaj Muhammad

The Olympian talks about her experiences in Rio and being a Black Muslim in America.

Dave Zirin

May 2, 2017

Ibtihaj Muhammad celebrates after winning a point against Russia in a women’s team sabre fencing semifinal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.(AP Photo / Andrew Medichini)

This week we speak to the only Muslim American woman to ever medal at the Olympics and the first American woman to ever compete while wearing a hijab, Ibtihaj Muhammad. It’s a fascinating insight into what makes her excel.

We also have choice words about the ESPN layoffs, our Just Stand Up and Just Sit Down words, Kaepernick Watch, and this question for our listeners: Are you done with football? Tell us at 401-426-3343. 

Ibtihaj Muhammad Follow on Twitter. I Fear President Trump’s ‘Campaign of Terror’ Against American Ideals

Zirin Why the ESPN Layoffs Are So Disappointing

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Dave ZirinTwitterDave Zirin is the sports editor at The Nation. He is the author of 11 books on the politics of sports. He is also the coproducer and writer of the new documentary Behind the Shield: The Power and Politics of the NFL.


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