Olympics

Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez reveals she competed at Paris Olympics while 7 months pregnant

PARIS — Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has revealed that she fought at the Paris Olympics while seven months pregnant.

Hafez posted on Instagram that she was “carrying a little Olympian one” hours after she had reached the round of 16 in women’s saber Monday.

The 26-year-old fencer from Cairo upset Elizabeth Tartakovsky of the United States, a former NCAA champion, before losing to Jeon Hayoung of South Korea.

Nada Hafez of Team Egypt applauds fans after her victory in the Fencing Women’s Sabre Individual Table of 32 on day three of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Grand Palais on July 29, 2024 in Paris, France. Getty Images
Nada Hafez revealed she is 7 months pregnant as she competed in Paris. AP
Nada Hafez of Team Egypt (L) and Elizabeth Tartakovsky of Team United States (R) compete in the Fencing Women’s Sabre Individual Table of 32 on day three of the Olympic Games on July 29, 2024 in Paris, France. Getty Images

“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!”

A former gymnast with a degree in medicine, Hafez is a three-time Olympian who won gold medals in the individual and team saber events at the 2019 African Games. She finished Monday’s competition officially ranked 16th, her best result in any of her three Olympic appearances.

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