PARIS — In a remarkable revelation, Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has shared that she competed in the Paris Olympics while seven months pregnant.
Hafez took to Instagram to announce this extraordinary achievement shortly after advancing to the round of 16 in the women’s saber event on Monday. Her post captured the profound personal and professional significance of her participation, noting that she was “carrying a little Olympian one” as she faced off in the competition.
The 26-year-old athlete from Cairo made headlines by defeating Elizabeth Tartakovsky of the United States, a former NCAA champion, in a stunning upset. However, her journey in the tournament came to an end when she was bested by Jeon Hayoung of South Korea. Reflecting on her experience, Hafez shared, “My baby and I faced numerous challenges, both physical and emotional. The rollercoaster of pregnancy is difficult on its own, and balancing the demands of life and sports proved to be extraordinarily strenuous. Nevertheless, the effort was worthwhile. I am filled with pride for having secured my place in the round of 16!”
Hafez’s accomplishments extend beyond this Olympic performance. A former gymnast with a background in medicine, she is a seasoned Olympian with three appearances under her belt. Her impressive career includes gold medals in both the individual and team saber events at the 2019 African Games. In the Paris Olympics, she concluded the competition ranked 16th, marking her best result in any of her three Olympic appearances.
This revelation not only highlights Hafez’s exceptional dedication and resilience but also sheds light on the extraordinary personal sacrifices and triumphs of athletes. Her journey serves as an inspiring testament to the intersection of personal and professional commitment, illustrating how passion and perseverance can overcome significant challenges.
