Ibtihaj Muhammad

2014 world fencing championship team gold medalist.

EVENT: Sabre individual and sabre team.

AGE: 30.

HOMETOWN: Maplewood, NJ.

DO YOU HAVE ANY RITUALS OR SUPERSTITIONS? I always tap the side of the strip with my blade before I start. I don’t know why; it’s just something that I do.

DO YOU HAVE A RECURRING DREAM? I like to use visualization. I feel like that helps me perform better. If I see myself scoring a point, or if I see myself winning, that helps to get me in the right mind—set to do well that day.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES? I’m really into DIY stuff. I retiled my kitchen and fireplace. I’ve always been into home renovation. I don’t cook, but I do watch HGTV and Food Network all the time.

CHOSEN SUPERPOWER: I would be able to transport myself. Eliminate the flights.

PETE PEEVE: The sound of chewing, other people chewing. I don’t like that.

DREAM DINNER-PARTY GUEST: Maybe Malala.

SUMMER JAM: I like Drake’s “One Dance.”

GREATEST FEAR: I work really hard at the goals that I set for myself because I fear failure. I feel like the harder I work, the more attainable my goals seem.

GREATEST AMBITION: To positively change the world.

For more from our Golden Year portfolio, click here. To learn more about Team USA, visit teamusa.orgThe Rio Olympics begin August 5 on NBC.