Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez made headlines at the Paris Olympics by revealing that she was 7 months pregnant while competing in the women's individual saber event. Despite the challenges she faced, Hafez managed to secure an impressive victory in her opening match against the USA's No. 7 seed Elizabeth Tartakovsky.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Hafez shared her unique experience of competing with her unborn child, describing the moment on the podium with her opponent as a representation of the three of them together. She expressed pride in reaching the round of 16 and highlighted the physical and emotional challenges she had to overcome during her pregnancy.
At 26 years old, Hafez was participating in her third Olympic Games and achieved a significant improvement in her ranking, finishing in 16th place compared to 29th in Tokyo and 36th in Rio. Her background as a former national champion in gymnastics and a medical graduate from Cairo University added to the remarkable story of her Olympic journey.
Reflecting on her experience, Hafez emphasized the significance of this particular Olympics, where she not only competed as a three-time Olympian but also as a mother-to-be. Her determination and resilience in balancing sports and pregnancy serve as an inspiration to many, showcasing the strength and dedication required to excel in both arenas.
