Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez recently revealed that she competed in the Olympic Games while seven months pregnant.
“Although it looked like two athletes on the podium, there were actually three of us!” she shared on her Instagram account. “It was me, my opponent, and my little one, yet to arrive in our world.”
Hafez, 26, from Cairo, won her opening match in the women’s individual saber event before being eliminated in the round of 16.
Reflecting on the experience, Hafez highlighted the dual challenges and joys of competing while pregnant. “My baby and I faced our share of challenges, both physical and emotional. The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but balancing it with the demands of high-level sports was incredibly strenuous, yet worth it,” she wrote.
Hafez expressed pride in reaching the round of 16. She defeated American Elizabeth Tartakovsky 15-13 before losing to South Korean Hayoung Jeon, 15-7. The gold medal was ultimately won by France’s Manon Apithy-Brunet, who defeated compatriot Sara Balzer 15-12.
“I’m fortunate to have had the trust of my husband, Ibrahim Ihab, and the support of my family, which allowed me to come this far,” Hafez added. “Three-time Olympian, but this time with a little future Olympian along for the journey!”
