In an astonishing moment that has left the world in awe, Egyptian Fencer Nada Hafez announced she is seven months pregnant while competing at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The expectant mum and Olympic athlete won her first individual sabre competition, defeating American fencer Elizabeth Tartakovsky 15-13, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination.
Following the sabre competition, the 26-year-old athlete took to Instagram to share there wasn’t just “two players on the podium”.
“What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three,” she said. “It was me, my competitor, & my yet-to-come to our world, little baby!”
Hafez went on to say that during her pregnancy she and her baby “had our fair share of challenges, be it both physical and emotional”.
“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,” she explained, adding she was full of pride for securing her place in the round of 16 at the Olympics for sabre fencing.
“I’m lucky to have shared the trust of my husband, Ibrahim Ihab, and that of my family to be able to come this far,” she added. “This specific Olympics was different; Three times Olympian but this time carrying a little Olympian one!”
Hafez began her career in 2014 and has since become a notable figure in the sport. She has represented Egypt in three Olympic Games; Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and now Paris 2024. Her dedication to fencing has earned her multiple medals, including those from African championships and international tournaments.
Her decision to compete while pregnant has sparked widespread admiration and discussion about the role of women in sports, especially those balancing athletic careers with motherhood.
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