Meet 3 Olympic Hopefuls Looking To Bring Home The Gold
Meet these first-time Olympians looking to win big in Rio.
![3 olympic hopefuls 3 olympic hopefuls](https://static.oprah.com/images/o2/201608/201608-omag-Potter-Rugby-2016Olympics-949x534.jpg)
Photo: Cyrus McCrimmon/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Jillion Potter, 30, Rugby
On taking the field: I've always been sporty—I skateboarded and played basketball in high school—so when I got to college, a few girls on the rugby team tried to recruit me, mostly because I looked strong. I'd never even heard of the sport, so I said no. But when they asked a third time... The first practice I went to focused on tackling—I had no idea the game was so physical—and I just never looked back.
On her greatest win: In 2014, I was diagnosed with stage III synovial sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer. Luckily, it's a fight we won. I say we because without the support of my wife and teammates, it wouldn't have been possible for me to be back on the field, let alone preparing for Rio.
![](https://static.oprah.com/images/o2/201608/201608-omag-Johnson-Polo-2016Olympics-450x450.jpg)
Ashleigh Johnson, 21, Water Polo
On diving in: When I was 6, my mother signed up my siblings and me for swim classes because she didn't want us to be sitting at home alone all summer. I found swimming really boring, but if you did well in class, you got to take water polo lessons as a reward—and I was instantly hooked.
On defending the net: Being a good goalie requires being able to let things go. You can't dwell on getting scored on or missing a block here and there. And, of course, it helps to have strong legs!
Ibtihaj Muhammad, 30, Fencing
On suiting up: I tried tons of sports growing up, but the uniforms were always tricky because my religious beliefs require my arms and legs to be covered. So when my mom spotted a few students fencing one day—and saw them dressed in head-to-toe protective gear—she told me to pursue it. As soon as I put on the uniform, I felt a sense of belonging I'd always wanted.
On family support: If I could have one thing with me at every competition, it would be my sister Faizah. She's my biggest cheerleader. And she's a fellow fencer! If anyone can talk me out of a bad balestra, it's her.
In her words:"When people think of Muslim athletes, they go to Muhammad Ali or Hakeen Olajuwon. No One can name a female Muslim athlete—especially one who wears a hijab! I feel blessed to be in a position where I can show Muslim girls that they can participate in sports at an elite level."
Additional photo credits: Johnson: Robert Hanashiro-USA Today Sports/SIPA and Muhammad: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
On taking the field: I've always been sporty—I skateboarded and played basketball in high school—so when I got to college, a few girls on the rugby team tried to recruit me, mostly because I looked strong. I'd never even heard of the sport, so I said no. But when they asked a third time... The first practice I went to focused on tackling—I had no idea the game was so physical—and I just never looked back.
On her greatest win: In 2014, I was diagnosed with stage III synovial sarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer. Luckily, it's a fight we won. I say we because without the support of my wife and teammates, it wouldn't have been possible for me to be back on the field, let alone preparing for Rio.
![](https://static.oprah.com/images/o2/201608/201608-omag-Johnson-Polo-2016Olympics-450x450.jpg)
Ashleigh Johnson, 21, Water Polo
On diving in: When I was 6, my mother signed up my siblings and me for swim classes because she didn't want us to be sitting at home alone all summer. I found swimming really boring, but if you did well in class, you got to take water polo lessons as a reward—and I was instantly hooked.
On defending the net: Being a good goalie requires being able to let things go. You can't dwell on getting scored on or missing a block here and there. And, of course, it helps to have strong legs!
![](https://static.oprah.com/images/o2/201608/201608-omag-Muhammad-Fencing-2016Olympics-450x450.jpg)
Ibtihaj Muhammad, 30, Fencing
On suiting up: I tried tons of sports growing up, but the uniforms were always tricky because my religious beliefs require my arms and legs to be covered. So when my mom spotted a few students fencing one day—and saw them dressed in head-to-toe protective gear—she told me to pursue it. As soon as I put on the uniform, I felt a sense of belonging I'd always wanted.
On family support: If I could have one thing with me at every competition, it would be my sister Faizah. She's my biggest cheerleader. And she's a fellow fencer! If anyone can talk me out of a bad balestra, it's her.
In her words:"When people think of Muslim athletes, they go to Muhammad Ali or Hakeen Olajuwon. No One can name a female Muslim athlete—especially one who wears a hijab! I feel blessed to be in a position where I can show Muslim girls that they can participate in sports at an elite level."
Additional photo credits: Johnson: Robert Hanashiro-USA Today Sports/SIPA and Muhammad: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images