Obama appoints Ibtihaj Muhammad for Key Role

WASHINGTON – Ibtihaj Muhammad along with several other athletes have been given key Administration posts on Tuesday, by Barack Obama who is serving his final week in office.

Ibtihaj Muhammad is the first Muslim athlete to represent the US in the Olympics in hijab. “I am proud that such experienced and committed individuals have agreed to serve the American people in these important roles,” Obama said in a statement published on the White House website on Tuesday, January 17.

Currently ranked No. 8 in the world, Muhammad was a three-time All-American for Duke University and holds five world championship medals -one gold, four bronzes

“I know they will serve the American people well,” President said.

The decision added four Olympic medalists to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

Gabby Douglas, Caitlin Cahow, Carli Lloyd and Ibtihaj Muhammad joined the council as members, which is co-chaired by Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Dominique Dawes and NFL quarterback Drew Brees.

Ibtihaj also serves the US State Department’s Empowering Women and Girls through Sport Initiative.