DURHAM, N.C. – After earning the bronze medal in women’s saber at the Athens World Cup this past weekend, Duke fencing alumnae Ibtihaj Muhammad has mathematically secured a spot at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The U.S. Olympic team will be formally announced April 11 at the USA Fencing Division I National Championships in Richmond, Va., but Muhammad and American teammateMariel Zagunis will remain the top two fencers in the USA Fencing National Team Point Standings. The top three athletes will earn spots in the both the individual and team events for women’s saber, with a fourth traveling as a replacement for the team competition only.