Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics while seven months pregnant, showcasing remarkable strength and resilience.
Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has shared the surprising news that she was seven months pregnant while competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
During the women’s individual sabre competition, Hafez defeated USA’s Elizabeth Tartakovsky in the first round but was later eliminated by Jeon Hayoung of South Korea.
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Hafez, 26, announced her pregnancy on Instagram, proudly stating: “7 MONTHS PREGNANT OLYMPIAN!” She explained that what appeared as two competitors on the podium were actually three, referring to herself, her opponent, and her unborn baby.
She expressed the physical and emotional challenges she faced, balancing pregnancy and competition: “My baby & I had our fair share of challenges, be it both physical & emotional. 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.”
Nada Hafez also shared her pride in reaching the round of 16 and thanked her husband and family for their support, concluding: “This specific Olympics was different; Three times Olympian but this time carrying a little Olympian one!”
At Paris 2024, parent athletes benefited from an on-site nursery, an Olympic first introduced by the IOC and Paris 2024 Organising Committee to help athletes manage their competition schedules while spending time with their young children.
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Hafez may take advantage of similar facilities if she competes in the fencing events at the LA28 Olympics in four years.