Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez had a double reason to celebrate after securing her first-ever victory at the Olympics in the women’s sabre event on Monday. Not only did she triumph over American world number 10 Elizabeth Tartakovsky, winning 15-13, but she achieved this feat while seven months pregnant.
Hafez, competing in her third Olympics, eventually lost 15-7 to Jeon Hayoung of South Korea in the round of 16. However, her victory was a testament to her dedication and strength, and she was quick to share her joy on social media.
“What appears to you as two players on the podium, they were actually three! It was me, my competitor, & my yet-to-come to our world, little baby!” Hafez wrote on Instagram. “I’m writing this post to say that pride fills my being for securing my place in the round of 16 … this specific Olympics was different. Three times Olympian but this time carrying a little Olympian one,” she added.
Hafez, who previously competed at the Games in 2016 and 2021, revealed her pregnancy to shed light on the strength and perseverance of Egyptian women. “The rollercoaster of pregnancy is tough on its own, but having to fight to keep the balance of life and sports was nothing short of strenuous, however worth it,” she said. Her story serves as an inspiration to women athletes worldwide, demonstrating that motherhood and athletic achievements can coexist.
