Ibtihaj Muhammad condemns hijab ban at Olympics, says it will be remembered for 'violating human rights'
PARIS, FRANCE: Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first female US Olympian medalist, criticized France's ban on hijab-wearing competitors from participating in the games.
Muhammad said the games that kickstarted on Friday, July 26, with grand opening ceremony will be remembered for violating human rights.
Ibtihaj Muhammad recalls diversity and inclusivity during opening ceremonies of previous Olympic games
Muhammad recalled that until now she remembered that the opening ceremonies of Olympics reflected diversity and inclusivity, but not any more.
"The Paris Olympics will be remembered as the Games that violated human rights— by banning French athletes in hijab," Muhammad posted on Instagram.
"My memories of the opening ceremonies were emblematic of the diversity and inclusivity of sport," she recalled.
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"There is no equity when we exclude some. Shame on France. Shame on all of us who watched it happen and said nothing," she concluded, NBC News reported.
Ibtihaj Muhammad earned her spot on the list of Times' 100 most influential people
Ibtihaj, a fencer, has been described as "trailblazer for Muslim women in sport" during her career, according to her Olympics biography.
The American fencer, born in New Jersey in 1985, became the first Muslim-American Olympian to wear a hijab while competing for Team USA when she participated at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
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She also earned a bronze medal in Rio, becoming the first American to do so while wearing a hijab.
Her accomplishments and participation in shedding awareness on the Muslim-American community earned her recognition as one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2016.
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"I’m hoping just my presence on Team USA changes perceptions people have about the Muslim community," she said in 2016.
The magzine stated at the time, "Ibtihaj is one of the best fencers in the world—and an observant Muslim woman."
"Even as a kid, Ibtihaj Muhammad stood out. She was faster and stronger than her friends, and she was serious about her religion," it added.
Internet reacts to Ibtihaj Muhammad's comments on hijab ban in Olympics
The internet appeared to overwhelmingly support Ibtihaj as she called out France for banning hijab, with many recalling the times that made them glad to see her participate in prior games, influencing many more in the United States.
"I have daughters that are hjiabis and they were young when you strutted out with the US athletes in hijab and I know how proud, strong and happy it made them feel. I'm sure Muslim women all over the world loved that moment," one user wrote in comments on Instagram.
"Hurtful betrayal of the Olympic spirit of tolerance and understanding," wrote another.
"I'm really sorry to hear this, And I appreciate you bringing this to everyone's attention," one more expressed.
Few others, who claimed to be French, reflected on how France was violating democratic rights of various group. Others questioned the Olympics community for banning hijab.
"I felt so proud seeing you on the Olympic stage, proudly representing the US and doing it on your own terms. For these athletes, it’s simply heartbreaking," wrote one more.
"Awful" wrote one another.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
