Muslim Sisters Help Open Doors in US Wrestling with Rule Change Efforts
Homeschooled and raised in a devout Muslim household, the sisters trained together from a young age but assumed their wrestling careers would end before college. "We always said we would never be able to wrestle in college," said 22-year-old Jamilah, NPR reported on Friday.
The girls couldn’t compete against boys, nor wear ordinary wrestling singlets, which conflicted with their faith. Despite being recognized as promising athletes, these restrictions initially limited their competitive opportunities. But their persistence led to a broader discussion about inclusion in collegiate wrestling.
Zaynah, 19, recalled early difficulties, noting that their hijabs often slipped off during matches. Coaches and trainers helped them develop secure uniform solutions, including velcro adjustments and taping hijabs in place. Over time, they crafted gear that met competition needs while honoring their values.
In 2022, controversy emerged when Latifah, 20, qualified for the Pan American Championships but was barred from competing after United World Wrestling (UWW) rejected her request to wear a full-coverage uniform. That experience underscored the limitations Muslim women still face in international wrestling.
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College coaches, however, began to take notice. Life University in Georgia embraced their vision. “If they’re on our team, they’re part of the family. We’re getting the rule changed,” the McBrydes recall being told.
Head coach Ashley Flavin and others worked with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to allow modified uniforms. The rule change was approved in summer 2022, clearing the way for the sisters to compete in college.
Since then, they have found community and support on campus. "Girls on the team have the prayer app downloaded on their phones to tell us when prayer time is," said Jamilah.
While they’ve faced challenges — including opponents trying to pull off their hijabs during matches — they’ve also experienced moments of solidarity, like competitors pausing matches to let them adjust their headscarves.
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Jamilah went on to win a national title, earning a spot in U.S. Olympic team trials, but UWW again blocked her participation due to uniform rules. The sisters and their coach argue the uniforms pose no advantage. "The extra layers make them hotter, not faster," said Flavin.
Despite international barriers, they’ve made gains nationally. USA Wrestling updated its policies this year to permit modest uniforms. "Like, it actually happened. We did it," said Jamilah.
In March, during Ramadan, all three sisters competed while fasting. Zaynah and Latifah won national championships; Jamilah placed second to a former Olympian.
Though Olympic aspirations remain uncertain, Latifah said, “Even if I don’t ever step on an Olympic stage... if I’ve had a positive effect on one other Muslim girl... then I’ve done my job.”
Source: Agencies
