Paris, July 30, 2024 — Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has made headlines and hearts swell with pride after revealing that she competed at the Paris Olympics while seven months pregnant. Hafez, a 26-year-old from Cairo, reached the round of 16 in the women’s saber event on Monday, showcasing remarkable determination and resilience.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Hafez shared, “I was carrying a little Olympian one,” just hours after her impressive performance. She expressed the unique challenges she faced, both physically and emotionally, while balancing the demands of pregnancy and competing at the highest level of her sport.
On day three of the Olympic Games at the Grand Palais, Hafez defeated Elizabeth Tartakovsky of the United States, a former NCAA champion, before succumbing to South Korea’s Jeon Hayoung. Her victory over Tartakovsky and subsequent ranking of 16th marked her best result in any of her three Olympic appearances.
Hafez, a former gymnast with a degree in medicine, is no stranger to success. She is a three-time Olympian who previously won gold medals in the individual and team saber events at the 2019 African Games. Her journey at the Paris Olympics adds another inspiring chapter to her illustrious career.
“My baby & I had our fair share of challenges, be it both physical & emotional,” Hafez wrote. “The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but having to fight to keep the balance of life & sports was nothing short of strenuous, however worth it. I’m writing this post to say that pride fills my being for securing my place in the round of 16!”
Hafez’s story of courage and perseverance serves as an inspiration to athletes and non-athletes alike, proving that determination knows no bounds.
