I'm one of those people who feels like I have to be strong for those people who may not be able to find that strength. I feel like I have to speak up for those people whose voices go unheard.

I know that I'm Muslim. I have an Arabic name. And even though I represent Team USA and I have that Olympic hardware, it doesn't change how you look and how people perceive you.

I think Muslims in particular are facing similar obstacles African Americans did, historically.

Qualifying for this Olympic team has been the most stressful experience of my athletic career. It has taught me so much about myself and how to handle high-pressure moments. I've learned to become my own biggest cheerleader, always feeding myself positive thoughts, visualizing myself winning, and most importantly focusing on each individual point.

It's important to me that youth everywhere, no matter their race, religion, or gender, know that anything is possible with perseverance.

There will always be people who challenge the idea that you belong, but it's important to work hard, to focus on yourself, and prove that you belong in this space of high-level athletics.

I think that we will come out on top as women, as people of color, as Muslims, as transgender people, as people who are part of the disabled community - I think that we'll come out on top.

For those people who fail to see the injustices that are occurring, in particular with the Muslim community, I think it's because you've sat in a seat of privilege for a long time, and you kind of choose to be myopic and not think of those people around you.

Even if we're facing bigotry or racism, we can still be successful.