Ibtihaj Muhammad and team win bronze medal

Earlier this week Ibtihaj Muhammad became known for making history as the first American woman to wear a hijab during Olympic competition. Now she along with her her fencing team have a medal to show that they belonged with the world's best.

Maplewood NJ native Ibtihaj Muhammad failed in her attempt at an individual medal at the Rio Olympics she didn't give up. Along with her teammates Dagmara Wozniak, Monica Aksamit, and Mariel Zagunis Team USA defeated Italy 45-30 in the bronze medal bout of the team sabre event.

"This has been a long journey for us," Muhammad said. This is six years in the making. We've worked so hard for this, and to be able to compete at the level that we've worked towards, on the world's biggest stage at the Olympic Games, is truly a blessing for us."

Black Olympian Spotlight: Colton Brown, Wrestler

Other Black Olympians: Jenny Arthur weightlifting,Shakur Stevenson boxer

The 2016 Olympics are now under way and I will be highlighting black athletes competing in the 2016 Summer Games in Rio who wont get as much publicity as a Serena Williams or the USA men's basketball team. I would like to introduce you to Piscataway, N.J. wrestler, Colton Brown.

Ranked No. 27 in the world, Brown earns his first Olympic team selection riding a wave of progress, including winning a silver medal at the 2016 Pan American Championships after fifth-place finishes the prior two years. The 24-year-old has won world cup or continental open medals on five continents, including five medals on four continents in 2015. He won the Pan American U-20 title in 2010.

2015

Oceania Open Wollongong – BRONZE
European Open Glasgow – SILVER
Pan American Open San Salvador – GOLD
Pan American Senior Championships – BRONZE
Pan American Open Buenos Aires – BRONZE
Pan American Open Montevideo – 5th Place
Pan American Open Santiago – 5th Place
African Open Tunis – SILVER

2014

NCAA National Championships - GOLD
Pan American Open, Montevideo - BRONZE
Pan American Open, Santiago - BRONZE
Pan American Championships - 5th Place

2013

NCAA National Championships - GOLD
US Senior National Championships - SILVER
Miami Grand Prix - BRONZE
Pan American Open, San Salvador - SILVER

Newark's own Kenneth Faried saves USA Basketball team at FIBA World Cup

With the United States down by 5 points at halftime against Turkey Newark's (NJ) own Kenneth Faried stepped up and saved the day for Team USA. Kenneth Faried finished with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks during what was not a good game for the US Team in the early going.

Displaying the grit, defensive tenacity, and hustle the Newark native out of Technol0gy High is known for Faried help lead a rally that resulted with Team USA winning 98-77. Anthony Davis finished with 19 points and 6 rebounds. James Harden chipped in with 14 points. Team USA is now 2-0 with victories over Finland and Turkey.

Is it too risky for NBA players to play on their national team?

I've sure by now that all basketball fans have seen the season ending injury suffered by Paul George during a scrimmage between squads from the US Team. Until now a serious season ending injury for a player representing their country had been a "what if", now it's a reality. Some owners like Marc Cuban have been vocal in not wanting to have their players play for the national team. Some players opt out for safety reasons or just to rest up after a long season. Other players feel that it's an honor and can't wait to represent their country. My question to you all is should players suit up for their national team and risk injury?