Dalilah Muhammad: Woman On Fleek

Olympian, now #1 in the world in 400m hurdles, concentrates prior to women’s meet at the June 2019 IAAF Diamond League Golden Gala in Roma Italy

Fresh off of her record breaking win at the USA Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, Dalilah Muhammad was crowned #1 in the world in the 400m hurdles on Sunday, July 28, 2019. The 2016 Olympic gold medalist sat down with On Fleek Digital Magazine for an interview to discuss among other things, how it feels to be #1 in the world. This type of accomplishment caused me to ponder the construct of ‘excellence’ when I stated to Dalilah, “Do you know that breaking the world record puts you in the same class of excellence as let’s say Michael Jordan?” She chuckled lightly at my comment but in actuality the comparison is huge. Excellence at this level is fascinating. It begs the questions, “Does an individual’s trek towards professional excellence begin with elements of early childhood development? Community engagement? Familial support? Self motivation? Is it one factor, a combination of factors or all of the above?” Many people spend their entire lives in pursuit of excellence; striving to be the very best at what they do every single day often coming close but never fully achieving it. Then there is the achievement of excellence where athletes like Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, basketball legend LeBron James, Master of the golf course Tiger Woods and multi Grand Slam tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams reside. To understand the depth of the meaning of excellence, Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary identifies the phenomena as, among other words, ‘flawlessness’. Flawlessness is an impressive descriptor since it’s usually reserved for super heroes. Yet this young woman

with the endurance of an antelope, the speed of a cheetah and grace of a gazelle powers down just like any other millennial when there’s a moment that she’s not in grueling competition stating, “I enjoy a NetFlix binge-watch to clear my mind, unwind and get refocused.” For me as a mere mortal, I wanted to know more about the sensation of winning at such a high level so I asked Ms. Muhammad these questions that she answered most graciously:

Susan Van Backle: What was the first thought or thoughts that came to your mind when you realized that you’d broken the world record in the 400m hurdles? Dalilah Muhammad: I guess I felt relieved that I had done it because I really wanted it. My second thought was that I had to get ready to do it all over again and get my time even lower.

SVB: After running such a phenomenal race in Des Moines, Iowa does it put you closer to competing in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020? DM: Actually no. My career is track and field so in effect I run professionally all over the world. The trials for the Tokyo Olympics don’t happen until right before the August event so the earliest I will have a chance to qualify is by June 2020.

I was stunned at the level of discipline and dedication that is required to maintain the ethos of a champion. Viewers have watched Dalilah race in different countries around the world and back again. She’s competed in teeming rain and glaring sun yet she remains focused, diligent and consistent. Her commitment is amazing to watch.

Another extraordinary win for Dalilah Muhammad at the Doha races.

SVB: It’s not unusual to see athletes before a meet or match with headphones on. Perhaps the driving, motivational force of music is a component towards a disciplined, competitive spirit. Do you have music or songs that drive or motivate you? Especially before a match? What’s on your playlist?

DM: No. No music before a meet. The nerves I feel before running, I live in those nerves; I go with feeling them. I use those feelings to drive me. In fact, I recall the night Dalilah won the Olympic gold medal for running the 400m hurdles in Rio de Janiero in 2016. Dalilah was interviewed by a NBC News 4 sports reporter who asked, “What was the exhilaration like?” Dalilah responded, “It was the anticipation that was just terrible but you know once I got on the line I knew I was ready and I just did what I’ve been training to do all year.” Huh! No soundtrack necessary for this superstar. As for what’s on her playlist...

DM: I like J. Cole. He was on the USC campus before. I met him during a meet and greet.

Dalilah Muhammad is a University of Southern California business graduate, a fashion model and athletic ambassador for NIKE. She’s been prominently featured in the brand’s splashy 2017 ‘#Equality’ campaign along with other high-profile celebs like Nets basketball star Kevin Durant, Olympic all around champion and gymnast Gabby Douglas and Black Panther movie actor and now producer Michael B. Jordan just to name a few.

SVB: You’ve been in contract with the NIKE machine since 2013. What’s your latest Nike campaign, if you can talk about it?

DM: Nike always has projects going on. Some thing is always in the works. I can’t speak about anything it now. Just stay tuned.

SVB: And finally, since you’re On Fleek Digital Magazine’s double cover girl for this health and beauty issue, please leave us with some fabulous takeaway tips. You’ve competed all over the world. What are the ‘must haves’ in your travel bag?

DM: I like ‘Mario Badescu’ skincare and lipbalm.

About the line: It is best known for being a simple yet effective skincare brand that uses fruit extracts, soothing botanicals, and other natural ingredients.

DM: Oil blot sheets are small and portable enough for touch ups on the go and squeezable fruit pouches provide nutrition and energy between flights.

On FLEEK AthFashion ™ In Black,White by Woke Creations

Dress it up or down. Wear it to the gym or the club. Mix or match yoga pants with comfort skirts. Add a structured jacket and AthFashion becomes a tailored look. For fall, Woke Creations is introducing a bold collection of striking AthFashion pieces designed to move with you throughout each moment of your day. These soft, breathable, custom print AthFashion body-con separates, dresses and accessories by Woke Creations are due to launch at onfleekdigitalmagazine.com.

AthFashion pull-on dresses by Woke Creations have 4-way stretch for comfortable, breathable wear.

Wear tank over shirt, under shirt or structured blazers.

Designs by Woke Creations.

No need to add a belt. Trompe l'oeil sash already added to AthFashion dresses and separates by Woke Creations for pulled together look.

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Tennis sensation Naomi Osaka is the new face of Bare Minerals Cosmetics

Tennis phenom Naomi Osaka is making waves on more than just the tennis court. The statuesque 21-year-old continues to break barriers and shatter stereotypes with every forceful swing of her racket. She’s been selected to be the fresh face of Bare Minerals cosmetics. “To me, The Power of Good means being the best version of yourself without sacrificing integrity or putting others down,” said Osaka, Power of Good Ambassador. “With bareMinerals BAREPRO Foundation,

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I don’t have to compromise clean beauty and natural-looking results for performance. These formulas keep up with my active lifestyle and never fail to deliver.” Osaka, who represents Japan and trains in America, is the daughter of a Japanese mother and Haitian father. She is the first Asian player to be ranked No. 1 in singles, as well as the first woman to win consecutive Grand Slam singles titles since Serena Williams in 2015. Can’t wait to see her again at the 2019 U.S. Open. #womenworthwatching

Fashions FIT for a LION QUEEN

Lion Queen phone case in all IPhone and Samsung sizes.

Get in touch with your inner empress with fashions and accessories fit for a Lion Queen. Shown here are designs from Woke Creations ranging from lioness inspired jewelry, t-shirt, belt bag and phone case suitable for Samsung and Apple users. Find them at onfleekdigitalmagazine.com.

Lionness tee.

Pattern mixed cross body belt bag is super cute.

Lightweight gold plated stainless steel lion bit bracelet.

IT’S ALL ABOUT ATHLEISURE by Woke Creations

Afri-Vibe print

Modern Marble print.

Luongo snake print

Neutral zone pattern by

Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles hosts MASTER CLASS on fundamentals of gymnastics for aspiring youth

Taking MasterClass sessions with experts that are at the top of their game is all the rage. Who better to learn and gain inspiration from? Now none other than Olympic gold medalist and Greatest of All Times gymnast Simone Biles is offering professional sessions to youth on the fundamentals of the sport. “I have benefited from great coaching throughout my career and I am excited to share tips and insights in my MasterClass to help other coaches and athletes as they pursue their gymnastics goals,” said Biles. “As part of my MasterClass, I spend time in the gym breaking down some of the best skills and drills – from basics to advanced – and I also cover the mental part of training. It takes a lot of work, but with practice and confidence you can accomplish your dreams, too.”