PARIS– Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez revealed that she fought in Paris Olympics while she was seven months pregnant.
Hafez posted on Instagram that she was “carrying a little Olympian” hours after reaching the round of 16 in women’s saber on Monday.
The 26-year-old fencer from Cairo defeated Elizabeth Tartakovsky of the United States, a former NCAA champion, before losing to Jeon Hayoung of South Korea.
“My baby & I’ve had our fair share of challenges, whether physical & emotional,” Hafez wrote. “The rollercoaster of pregnancy is difficult in itself, but having to fight to maintain life balance & the sports were nothing short of strenuous, but they were 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 medical degree, Hafez is a three-time Olympic champion and won gold medals in the individual and team saber events at the 2019 All-Africa Games. She finished Monday’s competition officially in 16th place, her best result in any of his three Olympic appearances.
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