American athlete Ibtihaj Muhammad, who is also the U.S.'s first hijab-wearing Olympian, said she feels unsafe in her own country due to rising Islamophobic tendencies.
According to The Daily Beast report, Muhammad, who is an American fencer, said: "[I feel unsafe] all the time. I had someone follow me home from practice and try to report me to the police."
"And this is right on 28th and 7th in New York City."
"I'm very vocal about these things because I want people to know I'm not a novelty, I'm not special in any way, I'm a woman who wears hijab and these are my experiences," Muhammad was quoted as saying in The Daily Beast report.
Having been fencing since the age of 13, Muhammad initially started the sport for its fully covered uniform, which she would not have to alter to fit Islamic dress requirements.
She has reportedly said that fencing has historically been reserved for 'white people with money,' which is 'not a good representation of the U.S. society.'
Besides fencing, she also runs her own clothing line 'Louella' with her siblings.
The Los Angeles-based brand offers modest choices through an online business and says 'Through Louella, every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway.'
Besides fencing, she also runs her own clothing line 'Louella' with her siblings.
The Los Angeles-based brand offers modest choices through online business and says 'Through Louella, every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway.'
