Muslim-American Olympian to discuss memoir

The competition to become an Olympic athlete is grueling. To rise to be among the world's elite in any sport is a feat to be admired. And Ibtihaj Muhammad reached that exceptional goal: earning an Olympic medal in fencing.

But in addition to the physical demands, Muhammad faced social and religious demands and still realized her American and Olympic dreams. Muhammad relates her experiences and achievements in her new book, "Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream."

At 13, Muhammad joined her high school fencing team in New Jersey. From there, she continued to develop her skills. She graduated from Duke University. Muhammad has been a member of the U.S. Fencing Team since 2010.

Muhammad is a practicing Muslim. There was plenty of pushback as she pursued her athletic career, yet her faith was a priority. Accordingly, she was the first Muslim-American woman to compete in a hijab.

Her new book will be celebrated in a special event at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Naperville's Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave.

Moderating the program will be Luvvie Ajayi, New York Times best-selling author of "I'm Judging You: The Do Better Manual" and a popular blogger.

Admission is free. Those who purchase "Proud" from Anderson's Bookshop will reserve a place in the book-signing line. The book comes in two editions - one for adult readers and one for children.

In "Proud," Muhammad, one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People, recalls the obstacles, racism and pressures she has overcome as the first Muslim-American woman to compete in hijab in a sport dominated by white athletes.

Raised in a working-class community in New Jersey with five siblings, Muhammad sought out sports as a means to fund college, and fencing was one of the only sports in which she could participate fully clothed. She was fast, hardworking and devoted to her faith. But Muhammad remembers often being out of place in her sport. Rivals and teammates often pointed out her differences, one even telling her to "take that tablecloth off your head." Muhammad knew that was a sign of what was to come.

Her path to the Olympics was marked with painful moments and near-debilitating obstacles, from the financial hardship her family endured supporting her to the ongoing bigotry she rose above with passion and grace, bigotry that emerged not just from competitors, but also from coaches and teammates who continuously told her she'd never get far in the sport, even after she qualified for the Olympics.

Muhammad's life is one of overcoming adversity as a woman competing in a sport known for its lack of diversity for a country that views her religion with suspicion and harbors a history of oppressing her race. Her journey from a young outsider to a national hero is an American tale of hard work, determination and self-reliance.

Lori L. Tharps, who wrote the book with Muhammad, is an associate professor of journalism at Temple University and the co-author of "Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America" and "Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love and Spain."

Her writing also has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, and Glamour and Essence magazines. Tharps will not be at the Anderson's Bookshop event.

For information about Muhammad's appearance and other Anderson's Bookshop events, visit andersonsbookshop.com or call (630) 355-2665.

If you go

What: Ibtihaj Muhammad, author of "Proud"

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 26

Where: Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville

Cost: Free admission; book-signing line included with purchase of book

Info: (630) 355-2665 or andersonsbookshop.com