Fencer Nada Hafez Balances Elite Sports and Pregnancy, Secures Place in Top 16
In a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez has revealed she competed in the Paris Olympics while seven months pregnant. The 26-year-old athlete made the announcement on social media on July 30, sharing her joy and challenges with her followers.
Hafez, who is expecting her first child with husband Ibrahim Ihab, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram alongside a photo from her competition in the women’s saber individual event. “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, celebrating her unique achievement.
Reflecting on her journey, Hafez acknowledged the physical and emotional hurdles she faced during her pregnancy. “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,” she explained.
Despite the difficulties, Hafez expressed immense pride in her performance, particularly her advancement to the round of 16 before being defeated by South Korea’s Jeon Hayoung. She also praised the support of her husband and family, which she credits for her ability to compete at such a high level. “I’m lucky to have shared the trust of my husband @ibrahimihab11 and that of my family to be able to come this far,” she noted.
Hafez, who previously competed in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she placed 36th and 29th respectively, described this Olympic experience as profoundly different. “This specific Olympics was different; Three times Olympian but this time carrying a little Olympian one! ❤️,” she said, celebrating both her athletic achievements and her impending role as a mother.
In a reflective post from January 2022, Hafez had already expressed her gratitude for her journey through the Olympics and her concurrent medical studies. “A major chapter of my life came to an end. Mixed in my feelings, I can’t pinpoint a single feeling that’s taking over me now more than gratitude,” she wrote. Her message highlighted the blend of mental and physical challenges she faced, balancing her sports career with academic pursuits.
As Hafez embarks on this new chapter of her life, she remains an inspiring example of dedication, showing how the spirit of an Olympian can prevail through the most demanding circumstances.
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