Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has made headlines at the Paris Olympics by competing in the women’s individual sabre event while seven months pregnant.
The 26-year-old, who was making her third Olympic appearance, won her opening match but was eliminated in the last 16.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Hafez shared her unique experience: “What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three! It was me, my competitor, and my yet-to-come to our world little baby!”
Hafez, hailing from Cairo, expressed immense pride in her achievement, reflecting on the challenges she faced. She defeated Elizabeth Tartakovsky of the United States 15-13 but fell 15-7 to South Korea’s Jeon Hayoung at the Grand Palais in Paris.
“The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but having to fight to keep the balance of life and sports was nothing short of strenuous, however worth it,” Nada Hafez said. She acknowledged the support from her husband, Ibrahim Ihab, and her family, which helped her navigate this demanding period.
Hafez’s determination and courage have been widely celebrated, showcasing the remarkable strength and commitment required to balance elite sports with the journey of motherhood.
